NCJ Number
195482
Journal
Journal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 171-190
Date Published
2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article evaluates the use of preventive and repressive measures taken to deter commercial robberies in Denmark.
Abstract
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of various types of preventive and repressive measures for commercial crime deterrence, the author examines national statistics, register data, police documents, and interview materials from inmates. The author found that while most preventive measures were somewhat effective, inmates convicted of these crimes reported techniques they utilized to overcome these measures. Techniques such as wearing disguises, working quicker to beat an alarm system, and planning a robbery before the activation of time locks were strategies that were frequently discussed by the inmates. Sentencing policy in Denmark served as a repressive crime deterrence measure. Although those arrested for commercial robbery were nearly always sentenced to prison, the author found that once released, the robbers returned to a life of crime, although not necessarily involving commercial robbery. Logistic regression analysis reveals that the longer the prison sentence, the less likely a person is to desist from criminal activities. The author suggests that in order to effectively deter commercial robbery in Denmark, the data suggests that arresting perpetrators early in their criminal career is the most effective means possible. Tables, references