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Understanding Bag Theft Within Licensed Premises in Westminster: Identifying Initial Steps Towards Prevention

NCJ Number
215722
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 3-21
Author(s)
Chloe Smith; Kate J. Bowers; Shane D. Johnson
Date Published
2006
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study explored the problem of theft within licensed premises (bars) in one area of London Borough of Westminster in order to assess the possible outcome of having 24-hour access to such establishments.
Abstract
Results indicated that theft within the nine bars under examination posed a significant threat to patrons, with handbags being the most commonly targeted item for theft. Estimates from employee reports at two bars in the study area indicated that approximately 52 handbag thefts occurred per year in each bar. Survey data from clientele revealed that their perceptions of risky locations within bars were not always accurate. Offenders tended to take unattended handbags from the floor during busy times. The highest risk time was found to be in the early evening hours, presumably because bars were busiest at this time of day and filled with professional clientele. The analysis further indicated that items were frequently stolen when they were left unattended or insufficiently secured. Situational crime prevention methods may work to reduce this type of crime. For example, offering secure bag hooks may reduce the number of handbags stolen from bars. The authors note that as the move toward 24-hour cities marches forward, communities can expect a greater volume of thefts from 24-hour establishments. The research focused on nine licensed premises within the London Borough of Westminster, United Kingdom. Data on all theft offenses in these licensed premises over a 5-year period were gathered from the Metropolitan Police Department. A more thorough study was conducted in two of the bars in the area. Self-report data were collected from customers, staff, and victims that detailed their bar patron and victimization experiences. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Future research should investigate how clientele perception of risk might change in relation to time of day and number of people in the bar. Tables, figures, references, appendix