Situational Crime Prevention Case Study

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2.1. Underlying theories of situational crime prevention
The underlying principles of the use of CCTV cameras are found in the situational crime prevention strategy. The situational crime prevention strategy consists of the: rational choice theory, deterrence theory and the routine activity theory
To start with, the rational choice theory suggests that an offender’s decisions are based on the perceived efforts and the rewards in comparison to the consequences of committing a crime (Cornish, Clarke, 1998, 2003). That is, people choose to commit an act after considering the gain and the cost of the intended action. If the cost outweighs the benefits, the individual will not commit an offence. The use of CCTV camera will actually make someone more liable to be prosecuted, therefore reducing the benefits of committing a crime. For instance, in the case study of Hawkeye (Home Office Online Report 12/05) an analysis was made to see whether CCTV camera would reduce the incidence crime. CCTV cameras were installed …show more content…

Informal surveillance refers to the measures taken to defend and protect the immediate area by the members of the public (Clive R. Holin, 2013 p.394). Another surveillance method is natural surveillance. This method involves the designing of new windows, landscaping and lighting to reduce crime. The elimination of darkness decreases the anonymity level, which may deter someone from committing an offence (Zhong, Bohns, & Gino, 2010).

2.2.3 Formal surveillance
The concept of formal surveillance mainly includes the methods used by the police to detect and deter crimes (Michel H. Tonry, 2000 in the handbook of crime & Punishment p.382). However, it can be extended to the use of CCTV camera, police patrols and alarms system (Welsh and Farrington, 2003). For the purpose of this study, focus will be on the use of CCTV cameras.

2.2.4 CCTV and crime

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