Preventing Robberies at Sub-Post Offices: An Evaluation of a Security Initiative

• NCJ Number: 113331
• Author(s): P Ekblom
• Editor(s): J Webster
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 36 pages
• Corporate Author: Great Britain Home Office
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Paper 9

Annotation

This evaluation of British Post Office security measures to prevent robberies of London sub-post offices, which had increased dramatically in the late 1970's and early 1980's, found that the measures were at least partly responsible for a decrease in robbery rates.

Abstract

Based on an analysis of robbery methods, the new security initiatives included an upgraded screen for behind-the-counter post office employees and staff training designed to enhance employee security sensitivity and performance. To determine the impact of these measures, the evaluation obtained data on every robbery incident within London sub-post offices for January 1, 1979 to March 31, 1986. Included in the data were raids on post office vans delivering money and other valuables to sub-post offices. There was a distinct decline in robbery levels beginning with the new security initiatives. The conclusion that the security measures contributed to this decline is based on the assumption that there would have been no further growth in robbery rates from the observed peak even without the new security measures. The evaluation thus probably underestimates rather than overestimates the impact of the security measures. 7 figures. 4 tables.