NCJ Number
215691
Editor(s)
Martha J. Smith,
Derek B. Cornish
Date Published
2006
Length
235 pages
Annotation
This publication, commissioned by the Government Office for London, offers detailed recommendations for reducing public transport crime and disorder.
Abstract
Suggestions are offered for reducing five categories of crime and disorder in public transport settings: antisocial behavior; theft, robbery, and assaults against passengers; assaults and robberies against employees; vandalism and graffiti; and “line of route” crimes that inhibit safe passage. Each type of crime is approached from a problem solving perspective that bases crime prevention strategies on empirical data. Chapter 1 describes the rail, underground, and bus systems in Great Britain and then turns to an analysis of the data concerning crime, disorder, and fear on public transport systems. The theory and practice of preventing transport crimes are also examined in chapter 1 before chapter 2 turns to a discussion of the problem-solving approach to crime, introducing the SARA model which stands for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. Chapter 3 focuses on anti-social behavior in rail, underground, and bus settings, particularly in terms of its effects on passengers and transport employees. Chapter 4 discusses the problem of crimes committed against passengers, presenting research on theft, robbery, assault, and indecent assault before evaluating responses to these crimes. Chapter 5 examines two categories of crimes committed against transport employees by passengers and other members of the public--assault and robbery--and reviews responses. Chapter 6 confronts the widespread problem of vandalism and graffiti in public transport environments, describing the types of vandalism and graffiti and reviewing solutions, such as controlling facility access and increasing surveillance. Chapter 7 turns to a discussion of “line of route” crimes that involve trespass and/or vandalism along train, tramway, or bus routes that potentially interfere with safe passage. Chapter 8 offers concluding remarks on the issue of fear of crime and ridership and on the use of situational crime prevention measures to deter criminal activities in public transport settings. Tables, photos, appendixes, references, index