Introduction
In the last several years, there has been an increased number of workplace violence, which has led to 20% of workplace deaths. It was noted that 80% of homicides and 60% of nonfatal assaults happen during crime or robbery (Casteel & Peek-Asa, 2000). The affected industries are service and retail, such as convenience stores. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in reducing robberies.
Summary of the Article
The main research question of this study seeks to establish how effective CPTED can be in reducing robbery in the retail land service industries. This implies that although the study may use data not majorly restricted to the retail and service industry, the recommendations it will make are for these industries. The research question is essential in guiding the researchers in conducting the research.
Variables
The dependent variable is the crime rate and robbery rate in the US. This is a dependent variable because it relies on the influence of independent variables to bring a result. Independent variables are the interventions used in CPTED to avoid crime. Some interventions include installing CCTV cameras, having guards, bringing on two clerks, reducing the amount of cash in store, and so on. Therefore, the dependent variable relies on the independent variables to produce it is output.
Sources of Data and Analytical Strategy Employed
This study used 26 studies, which included both primary and secondary studies. The primary studies had to have delineated the CPTED program, provided an intervention method and population, and provided its results using adequate raw data. The secondary data had to use CPTED, but instead of presenting raw data, it was supposed to show trends (Casteel & Peek-Asa, 2000). This move was made to ensure that the study does not use overlapping data. With the help of the raw data from primary studies and trends from secondary data, the study could analyze patterns and data to gain insight into the issue. This implies that the study uses quantitative data, which includes raw numbers, and qualitative data, which involves using trends.
Results
From the primary inclusion results, the multiple component programs showed an overall reduction in crime rate and robberies after implementing CPTED. Additionally, when the researchers focused on single-component program results, they found that each element contributed to a certain level of reducing robberies. The different components are employing a second clerk (-34%), installing security hardware and hiring guards (-38), reducing cash, and implementing time lock on cash boxes (-38%) (Casteel & Peek-Asa, 2000). The primary results are basically from the primary data showing that CPTED is useful in reducing robberies.
Outcomes of Injury/Outcome
The study revealed a significant decrease of -86% in assaultive injuries, especially in liquor stores whose peak season is at night. However, in other stores, the decrease was -35%, which implies that the method was still effective. In addition, the mean decrease in the dollar value, which was lost during the robberies, decreased by 9%, indicating successful interventions (Casteel & Peek-Asa, 2000). The on-scene appreciation went up by 40%, which is an indication that the police have been more responsive to the alarms raised by the businesses.
Secondary Inclusion
According to the secondary inclusion, crimes in the main cities were reduced by -75% in the main cities when they adopted local ordinances. Another study demonstrated that the change of location had the highest impact on oil companies, followed by restaurant chains and then convenience stores. Following adopting the Late-Night Retail Workers Crime Protection” regulation, Washington reduced assault and violence-related crimes by -35%.
Discussion
According to the paper’s discussion, multi-component interventions were more effective than a single intervention. However, all other single interventions significantly reduced the number of robberies except an alarm system with a police patrol. However, it was found the rate of crimes was determined by crime community and environmental factors. The study concluded that CPTED was effective in reducing crime rates in cities.
Conclusion
This study found that using CPTED effectively reduced city crimes using its various interventions. This study applied secondary and primary data to come up with results that show they are significant. The study has used 26 study materials, which implies that is enough data for the paper. This study recommends that cities in the West implement to curb the problem of robbery and high crime rates. However, one of the limitations of this study is that it cannot be applicable in other cities, such as Asian or African countries, because of the difference in variables and the environment.
Reference
Casteel, C., & Peek-Asa, C. (2000). Effectiveness of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) in reducing robberies. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 18(4), 99–115. Web.