NCJ Number
209906
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 7-18
Date Published
2005
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the findings of an evaluation that examined the processes of a Business Watch project currently operating in the Australian Northern Territory.
Abstract
Business Watch is a community-based crime prevention program that is formed and managed by a group of business owners in an effort to reduce crime in their businesses. Businesses that compose a Watch may be located close to one another, possibly in a mall or shopping strip, or they may be members of an existing business association. Activities may include alerting other business owners when they observe or experience suspicious activity, the distribution of security information among members, security audits, and property marking. The Business Watch program examined in this article was phased in over approximately 8 months within an existing business association (256 businesses) just outside Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia. The evaluation period extended from August 2000 to early 2001. The impetus for the program was a series of burglaries experienced by association members. The evaluation consisted of a mail-out survey to the entire business membership of the association. The questionnaire included items related to awareness of and involvement in Business Watch, perceptions of the program, and various demographic items on the business. The sample of responses represented 107 businesses. Across the entire sample, 30 percent of respondents were unaware that a Business Watch program existed. Of those who were aware of the program, approximately two-thirds were aware of each component, indicating a lack of information on program activities. Although approximately 50 percent of those aware of the program had attended at least 1 meeting in the 2001/02 fiscal year, only 1 in 12 members aware of the property-marking operation marked their property in accordance with the guidelines. Members perceived little evidence that the program reduced crime or the fear of crime. 2 tables and 19 notes