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Crime prevention principles

Our crime prevention advice aims to be easy to use and not too expensive. It should help stop crime by making it harder or slower for thieves, or easier to spot them.

Each principle looks at a different way to help stop people from breaking the law. When these principles are used together, they can help stop crime or make it happen less often.

  1. Step 1 :

    The use of tested and certified security products, such as doors, windows and locks, can make it harder for criminals to commit crimes.

    The use of secure passwords can prevent online crimes.

  2. Step 2 :

    Preventing desirable objects from being seen will reduce the possibility of a criminal seeing and targeting them. People, objects and places can all be targeted.

  3. Step 3 :

    The removal and securing of certain items, such as garden tools or ladders, can prevent their use to commit a crime.

  4. Step 4 :

    Reducing the ability for a criminal to benefit from a crime can potentially deter the crime itself. For example, using immobilisers on vehicles, the routine blocking of stolen phones and other electronic goods, or the use of property marking to make stolen goods harder to sell.

  5. Step 5 :

    Reducing access to a building or any adjoining area can reduce the opportunity for criminals to enter and commit crime.

  6. Step 6 :

    The ability to see over a place can help to reduce the opportunity for a criminal to commit crime.

    Surveillance can include either passive surveillance from pedestrians or Neighbourhood Watch groups or formal surveillance in the form of security cameras or patrols.

  7. Step 7 :

    The creation of places that are less likely to experience crime owing to the use of proven designs, layouts and certified physical security products.

  8. Step 8 :

    This sends out a clear message of the type of behaviour that is not acceptable and also removes any excuses for potential offenders.

  9. Step 9 :

    An array of measures, such as burglar alarm systems, good lighting, forensically marked property which can be quickly identified as stolen, or tracking devices on stolen vehicles, can help to catch a criminal.

  10. Step 10 :

    Crime can be reduced by diverting the energy and effort of offenders into other lawful activities.

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