An examination of the effectiveness of crime prevention through environmental design mechanisms on the convenience store industry in the Youngstown area /

Abstract

Crime prevention practices, which use the physical environment to deter crime, are known as crime prevention through environmental design (or CPTED) (Jeffery, 1971). The effectiveness of CPTED strategies used by convenience stores on reported criminal offenses, and the relationship such strategies have with the crimes that occur are the primary elements examined by this thesis. These CPTED strategies include natural access control, natural surveillance, and territorial reinforcement. The fourth element studied is the location of the retail establishment itself (Crowe 1991). Natural access control allows occupants to the ability to regulate who can gain access. Natural surveillance allows occupants of a place an adequate view of the place and surrounding areas. Territorial reinforcement shows the need of a place to gain the support of the surrounding community (Crowe 1991). The primary instrument consisted of a security survey, done on scene, by the author of this thesis. The survey results were compared to local reported crimes, in an attempt to clarify the effects of CPTED on crime in the sampled convenience stores. In conclusion, many factors have an impact on crime in convenience stores, but feasibility of CPTED principles, as well reported crime being a poor . indicator of actual crime may limit the testability of crime prevention practices.