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Question 1
1. Discuss the five (5) situational crime prevention strategies and substantiate your answers by
including your own relevant examples.
Introduction
Situational crime prevention strategies are proactive measures designed to reduce opportunities for
crime by altering the immediate environment in which crime can occur. Unlike traditional methods
that focus on the offender, these strategies emphasize the context in which crimes are committed.
This document discusses five primary situational crime prevention strategies and provides relevant
examples for each, highlighting their practical applications and effectiveness.
Definition of Key Concepts
Situational Crime Prevention: This refers to measures aimed at reducing crime by making
changes to the physical environment, increasing the effort and risks associated with committing
crimes, reducing the rewards, and minimizing provocations and excuses for criminal behavior.
These strategies are grounded in the rational choice theory, which posits that criminals make
decisions based on the perceived costs and benefits of their actions.
Situational Crime Prevention Strategies
1. Increase the Effort Needed to Commit Crime
Increasing the effort required to commit a crime makes it less appealing to potential offenders. This
can be achieved through various techniques, including target hardening, access control, and
deflecting offenders.
Techniques:
Target Hardening: This involves strengthening the security of potential targets to make them
harder to attack. Examples include installing deadbolt locks, security gates, burglar-resistant
glass, and reinforced doors.
Access Control: Limiting access to certain areas can prevent unauthorized entry and reduce
opportunities for crime. This includes measures like entry card systems, gated communities,
and locked entrances to buildings.
Deflecting Offenders: Redirecting potential offenders away from targets can also increase
effort. This can be done through urban design, such as creating pedestrian pathways that lead
away from potential crime spots.
Examples:
Residential Security: Many homeowners are installing sophisticated home security systems,
including smart locks, video doorbells, and motion-sensor lights. These measures make it more
difficult for burglars to enter homes undetected.
Public Spaces: In urban areas, the installation of bollards and barriers around pedestrian zones
can prevent vehicle-based attacks, increasing the effort required for such crimes.
