An Introduction to Crime and Disorder Reduction.

Crime and disorder reduction means ”Reducing the opportunity for a crime or disorder to take place.”

Whilst it is not possible to prevent all crimes taking place it is possible to reduce the far of crime and its impact. This is a first of a series of articles, which will provide guidance and information about crime and disorder reduction.

Crime reduction involves a range of activities, which include improving the physical security of vulnerable targets, improving the environment in an area and working to provide a better quality of life. Crime prevention or reduction has usually been seen as the responsibility of the police, but a whole range of other agencies are now involved, including the local Authority, Health service, Fire Service and community groups.

What is important to note is that effective crime reduction doesn’t have to be large scale and expensive. There are a number of things that can be done locally on a small scale that have a significant impact on reducing crime. Infact, the key to successful prevention is that the initiative should be personalised and site specific.

Crime and disorder reduction uses a variety of methods to achieve its aims. One of the approaches is called “situational” which involves altering the physical conditions of potential sites where crime might take place.

Situational crime reduction can involve:
-Target hardening, for example fitting better locks to premises, or improving fencing.
- Removing vulnerable items from the places where they can be stolen or damaged.
- Removing the means to commit crime- such as ladders, and builders rubble that can be used to commit crime.
- Improving the visibility in an area, for example by cutting down high bushes or improving lighting so that offenders can be seen more easily.
- Controlling access to areas, for example to staff rooms, stock rooms or consulting rooms so that unauthorised people cannot get in to commit crime.

This is an introduction to the subject and in subsequent articles specific examples of crime prevention initiatives will be given. For further information or issues involving your premises you may contact the local police Crime Prevention Officer or the Controlled Drugs Liaison Officer.