NCJ Number
194532
Journal
Crime & Justice International Volume: 18 Issue: 59 Dated: February 2002 Pages: 9-10,11,24-26,27
Date Published
February 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the concept of crime reduction through product design (CRPD).
Abstract
CRPD involves integrating protective features into products in order to reduce their potential to become targets of criminal activity (such as theft, fraud, and damage), as well as preventing their use as instruments of crime. The term “product” means any physical property and forms of currency, as well as electronic information and computer software. This is a more effective and efficient approach than later relying on standard target-hardening measures for security. Depending on the particular product and its design features, CRPD is instrumental in either prevention of offenses, or facilitation of an effective and efficient response following an offense, or both. In terms of products becoming targets of crime, CRPD primarily provides countermeasures against theft; fraud, counterfeiting and copyright infringements; tampering; and graffiti and vandalism. Protection against products becoming instruments of crime can decrease offenses both against the person and against property, and avert further offenses. It is appropriate to consider many designs in terms of the acronym “CRAVED,” which states that some items are attractive as targets of theft because they are Concealable, Removable, Available, Valuable, Enjoyable, and Disposable. Protective features that decrease or negate any of these product characteristics would lessen its likelihood of being stolen. Some of the many theft countermeasures widely used are electronic or ink tags, car alarms, and engine immobilizers. One form of protection against counterfeiting is the use of holographic images, which are extremely difficult to reproduce. Protection against tampering is enabled primarily by preventing access to a product, or facilitating detection if its packaging has been opened. Product designs for graffiti and vandalism protection primarily involve physical measures, such as graffiti-resistant substances, which are continually being improved. It is likely that product design will become an increasingly widespread means of protecting assets and reducing crime. 45 references