The Crime Triangle

By increasing the risk of apprehension, increasing the effort required to commit the offence and reducing the rewards available to the offender, it is possible to reduce the risk of victimisation. Three broad strategies are detailed in Parts 4 to 6 of this brochure. In addition to these strategies an audit of your security requirements is recommended. A risk assessment should review existing standards of physical security, workplace design and layout, workplace procedures and protocols such as cash handling practices, staff training needs and the locality of the business.

Elements of the Crime Triangle	Strategy
Opportunity to commit the offence	Increase the risk of apprehensions
Ability to commit the offence	Increase the effort required to commit the offence
Desire to commit the offence	Reduce the rewards available to the offender

Layout of premises - Make best use of natural surveillance!

An open, uncluttered environment providing a clear, well lit view of the point of sale from outside the business is a deterrent to armed robbers, who prefer to operate unobserved. Any cover for the would be offender, or an accomplice, such as posters, curtains and advertising above or below line of sight.

Consider the use of venetian style, or one way glass for observation from an adjacent office or staff area. Action should be taken to ensure that potential access points, such as back doors and windows are secured at all times, when not in use.

Landscaping

If you have landscaping abutting your business trees and shrubs should be pruned regularly to maintain lines of sight from the street.

• Shrubs should be maintained to a maximum height of 1 metre, and foliage from trees should not be allowed to hang lower than 2 metres
• Keep space between foliage to improve the 'clear vision' of the complex.

These measures will enable staff to observe and monitor any suspicious activity which may occur outside the premises.