Measure type: Removing means

Removing means is the measure of reducing risk by reducing the availability of tools or other means conductive to crime.

Description

Many forms of crime require tools or materials: burglars use tools to force entry, vandals will use objects to destroy, graffiti artist require spray paint or markers. By making the access to these required tools more difficult, committing the crimes is made more difficult.

This form of crime reduction is most prominently effective in situations where the required tools are available at or close to the crime location. Arson as a form of vandalism for instance, thrives on the presence of flammable goods and burglars can be greatly aided by the presence of a ladder. Making sure these goods are not present, or not accessible can therefore increase the effort needed to commit these crimes.

Examples

1. Control over sales of spray paint and indelible markers
2. Removal of debris from construction/demolition sites
3. Removal of waste paper, rubbish, and other combustibles
4. Use of tamperproof screws
5. Placement of permanent signs, building names, and decorative hardware out of reach from ground
6. Placement of school thermostats, fire alarms, and light switches far from "hang-out" areas