DEFENSIBLE SPACE

Defensible space, a term created by Newman can be described as a technique to prevent crime by increasing the possibilities for society to control and eventually defend space around them (Reynald and Elffers 2009).

One of the key notions of opportunity for criminal behaviour is the benefit to be gained. Logical responce from a situational crime prevention perspective is to reduce opportunities for rewards. This can be achieved by removing targets, defending targets, identifying private and public space and denying benefits (Huisman and van Erp 2013).

According to the defensible space theory, physical and symbolic boundaries convey a clear message to outsiders that the “marked” space is not for the use of them (Reynald and Elffers 2009). Physical barriers could be created through the use of gateways, fencing and walls which can decrease rates of crime in the society and therefore fear of crime. On the other hand, symbolic barrier do not physically limit access to the specific area but, rather, send a message of a private sector. Such symbolic barriers could be created through the use of plantings, landscapes or territorial markings (Reynald and Elffers 2009).

LIMITED ACCESS

EXIT POINTS

DENIAL OF REWARD

A form of limited access that will be provided in the area of Starley Cross is the use of PIN- personal identification numbers.
These numbers will be needed to gain access to residential blocks to make sure that strangers cannot get inside uninvited.
Such numbers will be also used by owners to enter shops in the Shopping Centre. The aim of this change is to reduce rates of burglary, vandalism and theft.
An example was successfully introduced in South London public housing estate achieving significant reduction in rates of vandalism and theft (Clarke 1997).

Exit control aims to deter theft by detecting objects that should not be removed from its original place.
Such change will be provided in the area of Shopping Centre aiming to reduce shoplifting and theft overall.
Introduction of merchandise tagging, bar-coding and "electronic point of sales" systems will be provided.
Such electronics used in retailing achieved incredible reduction in shoplifting and theft in American stores.
Decrease is estimated between 35-75 percent. Similar reduction was reported in England (Clarke 1997).

According to Situational Crime Prevention the denial of the benefits can achieve significant reduction in crimes such as burglary, theft, shoplifting and vehicle crime.
To stop vehicle related crime in the area of Starley Cross we introduce the use of PIN.
Cars fitted with this system had lower rates of theft in countries such as Germany, USA and Australia (Clarke 1997).
Use of ink tags would stop theft and shoplifting from Shopping Centre.
Ink tags are hard to remove and even if, it stain garments to which they are attached, and damage electronic devices (Clarke 1997).

Our interventions for detering offenders at the shopping centre, car parks, pubs, and residential areas:

Situational Crime Prevention

Staples (2014)

Perco (2015)

Jumbo Storage (2012)

Starley Cross Community Safety Project