Situational crime prevention is an approach to reducing crime

that focuses on changing the immediate environment in which

criminal activity occurs. It aims to make it more difficult or less
desirable for individuals to engage in criminal behavior. There
are several techniques commonly used in situational crime
prevention. Here are some of the key ones:

1. Target Hardening: This technique involves making potential

targets more resistant to criminal attacks. It may include
installing security measures such as locks, alarms, surveillance
cameras, or reinforcing physical barriers to deter or delay
potential offenders.

2. Surveillance: The use of surveillance techniques can help

prevent crime by increasing the risk of detection and
apprehension. This can include the deployment of closed-circuit
television (CCTV) cameras in public spaces, monitoring
systems, or employing security personnel to patrol and observe
vulnerable areas.

3. Access Control: Limiting or controlling access to certain areas

can be an effective crime prevention measure. Examples include
using keycards, access codes, or biometric systems to restrict
entry to specific locations. This technique helps to manage and
monitor who enters and exits a particular space.

4. Environmental Design: Crime prevention through

environmental design (CPTED) involves designing or
modifying the physical environment to discourage criminal
activity. This can include aspects such as improving lighting,
removing hiding spots, enhancing natural surveillance, and
creating a sense of ownership and territoriality among residents
or users of the space.

5. Deflecting Offenders: This technique aims to redirect

potential offenders away from committing crimes. For example,
displaying signs or making it clear that an area is being
monitored or protected can deter criminals. Similarly,
implementing diversionary tactics, such as providing alternative
activities or resources for potential offenders, can help prevent
criminal behavior.

6. Situational Awareness: Encouraging individuals to be more

aware of their surroundings and potential risks can contribute to
crime prevention. This can involve educational campaigns,
public awareness programs, or providing information about
crime patterns and prevention strategies.

7. Community Engagement: Building strong relationships

between law enforcement, community members, and local
organizations can enhance crime prevention efforts.
Collaboration and active involvement can lead to the
identification of problems, implementation of effective
solutions, and the fostering of a shared responsibility for
maintaining community safety.

It is important to note that these techniques are often used in

combination, and their effectiveness depends on various factors
such as the specific crime problem, the characteristics of the
target area, and the cooperation of stakeholders involved in the
prevention efforts.

Techniques of situational crime prevention involve various

strategies to reduce criminal opportunities and deter potential
offenders. Here are additional techniques, along with a
preference for each technique and a summary of situational
crime prevention:

1. Natural Surveillance: This technique maximizes visibility

within an area to increase the perception that offenders will be
observed. It involves designing environments that allow people
to see and be seen easily, such as removing obstructions,
trimming vegetation, and improving sightlines. Preference:
Natural surveillance is preferred when the goal is to increase the
perceived risk of detection for potential offenders.

2. Target Removal: This technique involves removing or

relocating attractive targets that may tempt offenders. Examples
include reducing the availability of valuable items, relocating
high-crime businesses, or implementing policies to discourage
the possession of stolen goods. Preference: Target removal is
preferred when the focus is on reducing the opportunities for
crime by eliminating or reducing the desirability of potential
targets.

3. Environmental Manipulation: This technique involves

modifying the physical environment to create barriers or
obstacles that make it more difficult for offenders to commit
crimes. Examples include installing fences, improving lighting,
or using signage to guide behavior. Preference: Environmental
manipulation is preferred when the aim is to increase the effort
required to commit a crime and create a sense of risk for
potential offenders.

4. Rule Setting: This technique involves establishing and

enforcing rules or regulations to deter criminal behavior.
Examples include implementing curfews, enforcing trespassing
laws, or establishing community watch programs. Preference:
Rule setting is preferred when the goal is to establish clear
guidelines and expectations for behavior, and to discourage
potential offenders from engaging in criminal acts.

5. Reducing Rewards: This technique focuses on minimizing the

potential benefits or rewards of criminal behavior. This can be
achieved by implementing measures such as marking valuable
items to make them traceable, implementing cashless
transactions to reduce the incentive for theft, or implementing
strict penalties for possessing stolen goods. Preference:
Reducing rewards is preferred when the objective is to decrease
the attractiveness of criminal activities by reducing the potential
gains for offenders.

Summary: Situational crime prevention is an approach that aims

to minimize criminal opportunities by modifying the immediate
environment. It involves techniques such as target hardening,
surveillance, access control, environmental design, deflection,
situational awareness, and community engagement. The
preference for each technique depends on the specific goals and
circumstances of the crime prevention effort. By implementing
multiple techniques in combination, situational crime prevention
can effectively reduce crime by increasing the perceived risks,
reducing rewards, and minimizing the opportunities for criminal
behavior.