NCJ Number
109633
Journal
Transportation Quarterly Volume: 41 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1987) Pages: 539-554
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the findings of Connecticut regional planning agencies (RPA) regarding the incidence, contributing factors, and prevention of auto theft and vandalism in State-sponsored free commuter parking lots.
Abstract
The statewide rate of property crime in commuter lots was 2.86 incidents per 10,000 vehicles for 1982-1983, but considering the number of nonreported crimes, the actual crime rate is higher. Factors contributing to property crime in commuter lots are isolation from public view, poor lighting, and infrequent police patrols. Based on RPA and police department recommendations, the Bureau of Planning and Research recommends that the Connecticut Department of Transportation develop a system for statewide identification of commuter lot locations to facilitate the recording of crime at the various commuter lots. Other recommendations are flyers on commuter vehicles to inform them of measures to better protect their cars while they are in the lot and the installation of public telephones to increase perceived security. Site planning for commuter lots should consider surveillance visibility, the crime rate of the immediate area, and the need for special measures to deter crime at the site. Lot design should discourage random access and easy entry. Where night security is a major concern, lighting should be considered. 4 tables.