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Crime Prevention Within Metro Systems

NCJ Number
172653
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (1996) Pages: 113-119
Author(s)
M Lopez
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article reviews a comparative study of 12 metro systems and provides an overview of the study's main conclusions.
Abstract
An international comparative study of 12 metro systems in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States attempted to discover the factors that influence criminal opportunity within metro systems and to offer a complete dossier on how to build and manage a system that limits criminal opportunity to the greatest extent. The low crime rates in the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system of Hong Kong can be explained by the low incidence of crime in Hong Kong society, the efficient working method of the MTR police, and the planning and design of the MTR trains and stations. However, the model needs adjustment to gain international validity. Five crime prevention strategies can be applied to limit criminal opportunity and feelings of insecurity within the premises of metro systems: (1) stimulating involvement; (2) establishing perceptible social control; (3) facilitating policing; (4) establishing and maintaining a clear norm; and (5) controlling the flow of the public. Figure, references