In this chapter we read that publicity campaigns can deter crime. Assuming that offenders make rational decisions, weighing the costs and benefits associated with criminal activity, then publicity might work

Question

What can an apartment complex do to publicize crime control strategies and hopefully deter the vehicle burglaries in the parking lot?

Answer 1

Parking lot vehicle burglaries are likely perpetrated by criminals making a rational choice and weighing the costs and benefits. Some theorize that criminals don't favor traveling great distances to commit crimes, and for juveniles who don't drive, their journey to crime is even shorter. One reason is that criminals like to be somewhat familiar with an area for purposes of escape. Another reason for short journeys, especially for those on foot, is they don't want to carry the stolen items a great distance. When dealing with apartment complexes having serious vehicle burglary problems, it is beneficial to have some type of publicized security in place. One method of publicizing security would be signs near all the lighted parking areas. Another method that has reduced crime is for fliers to be handed out to all residents advertising the type of security that is on the premises. This strategy serves two purposes. The advertizing is likely to reach the ears of the perpetrators who live in the complex and it will also help the residents feel safer. It is recommended that the apartment complex hire a few off duty police officers to work just 2 or 3 hours each evening in plain clothes, at scattered times. The advertizing would explain to the residents that the police officers would be working varied random schedules and be in plain clothes. The management could actually choose to cut back to 2 or 3 nights a week after a while and could later terminate the security for a period of time to save the expense. Periodically the complex may have to reinstate the strategy as the attrition brings in new tenants.