Reducing Theft at Construction Sites: Lessons from a Problem-Oriented Project (From Analysis for Crime Prevention, P 89-130, 2002, Nick Tilley, ed. -- See NCJ-194015)

• NCJ Number: 194021
• Author(s): Ronald V. Clarke; Herman Goldstein
• Date Published: January 2003
• Length: 42 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A problem-oriented policing project conducted by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg, NC, Police Department focused on reducing thefts from home construction sites.

Abstract

The area had experienced increases in the number of kitchen appliances stolen from houses under construction. The police agency’s project took place over more than 2 years starting in 1999 and included a detailed analysis of security practices and the risks of theft among the 25 builders operating in one police district. The analysis led to the recommendation that builders delay the installation of appliances until the homes’ new owners had become residents, thereby removing the targets of the thefts. Twelve builders agreed to try this approach for 6 months, although their compliance varied. Results of the analysis revealed that delayed installation of appliances was an effective approach to theft reduction. Thefts of appliances declined; similar thefts in surrounding districts did not increase. The analysis concluded that police officer involvement plus specialized analytical and research skills were both crucial to realizing the full potential of problem-oriented policing. Tables, notes, and 32 references