Crime Prevention Methods

Here are a few major crime prevention methods used by law enforcement agencies and policy planners in cities and counties.

Increasing surveillance

Means such as guards, alarms and security cameras deter criminals from engaging in illegal activity. The fear of being watched and monitored will make offenders go to other places that are not covered by surveillance devices. High security buildings and even residential neighborhood use these devices and report major decrease in crime rate.

Surveillance does not have to include hi-tech equipment. Street light can do a wonderful job as well. Practice has shown that in well lit places there are less burglars and less drug dealers.

Access Denial

crime preventionCriminals will be deterred from committing an offense in an area that denies them a quick escaping route. A clear example is a road with speed bumps. No one will rob a bank if he cannot drive away quickly.

Some neighborhoods hire private security companies which build road blocks monitoring vehicles upon entering and leaving a designated area.

No reward for criminals

Making criminal acts less rewarding will reduce the incentive to commit them. Banks use this method by simply marking money bills. Once being used, the police can trace the robbers. Another example – cell phones protected by a strong password are less attractive for thieves who know that they will have to exert much effort into decrypting the password.

Increased police presence

It is obvious that more cops on the streets mean less criminals. More frequent patrols in areas more prone to criminal activity will do wonders in reducing crime rate and increasing personal security. This is how Rudy Giuliani cleaned the street of New York more than 20 years ago.

Residents patrolling the street as civil guards under the supervision of the local police department or the sheriff office are often used to complement police presence.

Further reading:

1) The National Institute of Justice – Does punishment deter crime?

2) The Columbia Law School – What role does capital punishment fill in preventing crime?

Andrew Clay

Andrew Clay: Senior Writer at FoxValleyPrevent.com
Andrew Clay, aged 65, is the leading voice and main writer at FoxValleyPrevent.com. His journey is
marked by a lifelong dedication to combating crime, both in his earlier career and in his current role.
A retired police officer with a degree in law, Andrew's experience spans decades of active service on
the streets, where he bravely risked his own safety for the protection of his community.
Transitioning from physical law enforcement to a focus on research and education, Andrew
continues his fight against crime through a different medium. His work now revolves around
conducting thorough research and disseminating knowledge about crime prevention. Andrew
believes firmly that understanding crime is the cornerstone of effectively preventing it. His writings
reflect this philosophy, offering insights into the mechanics of criminal behavior and strategies for its
prevention.
As a prominent member of FoxValleyPrevent.com's Crime Coalition Prevention, Andrew contributes
significantly to the organization's mission. His enthusiasm for crime issues is deeply rooted in the
belief that comprehending the nuances of crime is essential for effective prevention.
Residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, Andrew's life is enriched by his family. He is married to his
sweetheart, Lora, for an amazing 33 years. Together, they have three children and five
grandchildren. His personal experiences as a family man and community protector deeply influence
his perspectives and dedication to public safety. Andrew's work at FoxValleyPrevent.com is not just a
profession; it's a continuation of his commitment to making society a safer place for current and
future generations.

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