Evidence-Based LP by Read Hayes, Ph.D., CPP
Environmental Criminology L oss prevention executives have a clear mission—to support their organization’s success by cost-effectively reducing crime and loss. Past columns have discussed how professionals like physicians use evidence to drive how they design and deliver preventive and therapeutic programs. Good science can focus and improve crime and loss control more precisely than benchmarking and small tests. Where does an LP manager start? What programs really work?
Dr. Hayes is director of the Loss Prevention Research Council and coordinator of the Loss Prevention Research Team at the University of Florida. He can be reached at 321-303-6193 or via email at rhayes@lpresearch.org. © 2010 Loss Prevention Research Council
Brantingham explain how offenders happen on or search for these desirable crime opportunities. Finally, Rutgers University’s Ronald Clarke provides insight into how offenders assess and make offending choices in specific environments. Criminal decisions and choices are like those of most people in that they are somewhat rational. Offenders consider potential benefits of stealing, potential risk of detection and punishment, and how much effort they would need to steal something.
Place-based vs. Offender-based Action
Situational Crime Prevention Techniques
Criminologists have long debated the best ways to reduce crime. Overwhelmingly most modern criminologists spend their time building and testing theories on reducing crime by reducing the likelihood an individual wants or needs to commit an offense. They concentrate on criminality rather than crime events. They study who is predisposed to offend and how to change their course. Criminologists’ discussions often revolve around nature versus nurture.
Adapted from Cornish and Clarke (2003:90)
Increase the Effort 1. Target harden 2. Control access to facilities 3. Screen exits 4. Deflect offenders 5. Control tools/weapons Increase the Risks 6. Extend guardianship 7. Assist natural surveillance 8. Reduce anonymity 9. Utilize place managers 10. Strengthen formal surveillance Reduce the Rewards 11. Conceal targets 12. Remove targets 13. Identify property 14. Disrupt markets 15. Deny benefits Reduce Provocations 16. Reduce frustrations and stress 17. Avoid disputes 18. Reduce emotional arousal 19. Neutralize peer pressure 20. Discourage imitation Remove Excuses 21. Set rules 22. Post instructions 23. Alert conscience 24. Asist compliance 25. Control drugs and alcohol
Reducing criminal propensity is valuable and laudable, but situational prevention can produce more immediate benefits…and retailers need immediate benefits. On the other hand, a small but growing number of criminologists are more interested in directly reducing crime events, rather than the disposition to offend. Reducing criminal propensity is valuable and laudable, but situational prevention can produce more immediate benefits…and retailers need immediate benefits. This group of scientists is dedicated to preventing crime by reducing crime opportunity. I belong to this group of “environmental criminologists.” Environmental criminology strives to prevent crime by altering crime opportunities. Offenders may have varying backgrounds and motivations, but Texas State University’s Marcus Felson describes how crime occurs when these likely offenders come into contact with relatively vulnerable and desirable targets. Simon Fraser University’s Paul and Patricia
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march – april 2011
Situational Crime Prevention
Environmental criminological theory (how things really happen) and growing research evidence can definitely help
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