NCJ Number
167461
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (October 1996) Pages: 177-184
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper assesses the nature and effectiveness of crime prevention in the Netherlands over the last 10 years.
Abstract
Ten years ago, Society and Crime, the national plan of the Dutch Department of Justice, introduced crime prevention as a focal point in crime policies. Emphasis was given to environmental design, functional surveillance, and the attachment of youth to the conventional society. Helped by a budget of approximately $25 million (U.S.) and organized by a steering committee, more than 200 local crime prevention projects were started. As a result of the achievements, prevention was accepted as a regular approach in crime policies. Crime reduction was achieved in relation to fare dodging, vandalism, shoplifting, violence, domestic and commercial burglary, car theft, and theft from cars. Security was improved by situational measures that targeted shopping malls, schools, city centers, and industrial sites. Nevertheless, in terms of budgets and personnel, crime prevention resources were small compared to law enforcement resources. Some of the objections to situational crime prevention are discussed in this article. The author concludes that a crime- prevention approach is superior to the law enforcement approach in reducing crime, and it is necessary to relieve the overburdened criminal justice system. 2 tables and 33 references