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Preventing Armed Robbery Through Opportunity Reduction: A Critical Analysis

NCJ Number
119434
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (June 1989) Pages: 3-18
Author(s)
T Gabor; A Normandeau
Date Published
1989
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper focuses on opportunities that are available to prevent armed robbery.
Abstract
Measures to reduce the possibility of armed robbery range from activities that can be undertaken by potential victims to programs that can be implemented by city planners. Ways in which situations conducive to armed robbery can be minimized include reducing profits, increasing surveillance, target hardening, and changing lifestyles and routines. Spatial and temporal considerations, such as target accessibility and proximity of escape routes, are also important in armed robbery prevention, along with the availability of firearms. Problems in opportunity reduction concern the role of chance in target selection, the assumption that robbers are rational decisionmakers in selecting their targets, and the fact that offenders frequently commit armed robbery spontaneously. The robbery prevention program of Southland Corporation, owner of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, is described. 30 references.