NCJ Number
99760
Date Published
1985
Length
87 pages
Annotation
These three case studies examine crime prevention research focusing on school burglaries and vandalism and urban alcohol-related disorders in England.
Abstract
The first study examined burglary rates as a function of school design. It found that small, older, compact schools were well-protected from burglary; while larger, modern schools with sprawling designs permitted greater opportunity for unobserved legal access. In conjunction with demographic, cost, and aesthetic considerations, results suggested that prevention should focus on the specific circumstances of the individual school. This suggestion was tested in the second study which examined a coordinated interagency approach to vandalism prevention decisionmaking and implementation. Analyses resulted in 30 recommendations, primarily aimed at increasing physical security. Of these only 15 were implemented. This poor record was seen to result from technical difficulties, lack of centralized control over local activities, lack of coordination, and competing priorities. The final study of patterns of disorderly conduct and drunkenness indicated that problems were the result of a complex interaction of factors including patron attitudes, nightspot management policies, design of public spaces, and the control system itself. Findings highlighted the need for increased communication and coordination of effort among the varying interests and groups involved in the problem. An appendix on study methodology and approximately 108 references are provided.