Situational Crime Prevention- Reducing Rewards.
An example of reducing the rewards for criminals as a method of crime prevention is the tagging of products, particularly clothes, with plastic tags that pierce the clothing and can only be removed by a special device. To remove them by force would ruin the item, thus reducing its appeal and value to the criminal. One other instance of reward reduction is the use of dye in cashboxes used by security companies to transport large sums of cash between businesses and banks. If the box is forcibly opened the dye will explode over the money, making it worthless.
Situational Crime Prevention- Induction of Guilt.
One example of this method of crime prevention is the broadcasting of adverts on television regarding child and animal abuse. The portrayal of the victim in the adverts is designed to bring on feelings of guilt and shame, strong enough to make the offender think twice before committing the crime. One other instance where guilt is used is the television interview of a person’s family, for example when they are missing, in order to provoke a response from the offender.
Social Crime Prevention- Individual Level.
This type of crime prevention can include the setting up of schemes aimed at a particular social group, for example improving opportunities for young people to find employment through skills workshops, thus deterring them from having any interest in crime. One more example is the rewarding of good behaviour of juveniles with day trips and presents, as a morale boost and to encourage the continued level of acceptable behaviour within a social situation.
Social Crime Prevention- Community Level.
This involves the joint efforts of a community, as they may hold the belief that criminal behaviour affects the community as a whole. One example of this is the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, where neighbours, businesses and the police work together on plans and ideas for preventing crime. Another instance is the setting up of youth groups or clubs, thus providing somewhere for young people to be with their friends without causing any trouble, and to relieve the boredom and offer something for them to do.
Question 2.
The Individual is Responsible for their own Crime Prevention.
It is evident that there are ways in which we can contribute as a community in the fight against crime. To decide whose responsibility crime prevention may or may not be, it is necessary to look at what is reasonably expected of the individual and of the state, in terms of values and beliefs. It could be argued that our government assumed responsibility of the safety of its citizens when they were elected into office. It was Sir Robert Peel in 1822 who stated that the setting up of the Metropolitan Police Force to prevent crime was of paramount importance (Jones, 1998). But how relevant is that in contemporary society now? Today we are more obsessed by wealth and status than ever before. It is no longer realistic for us to rely on the state to be proactive on crime, and for the state to assume our safety 100 percent of the time. As the population rises, so the emphasis on taking responsibility for ourselves is moving away from the state and closer to the individual.
It can most certainly be argued that in the present day it is the responsibility of the individual to protect their own property and ensure that everything possible within their power has been done to prevent an opportunity for a crime to be committed. If we want to stop our car from being stolen, we must lock the doors, or fit a steering lock, or an alarm. It is unreasonable to expect the police to look out for a car not being locked as a crime prevention method.
To conclude, the role of crime prevention needs to be one which is addressed by the individual, the community, and the police on behalf of the state. The rates of crime are continuing to rise, and the state alone cannot be expected to deal with this situation. As far as personal property goes, it is to a greater extent that it remains the responsibility of the individual. However, we can all play a part in the community that we live in, as helping each other can only be of benefit to everyone in the long term.
References
Jones, S. (1998) Criminology. London: Butterworths.
