In 1985, the international community agreed tackle the causes of crime to prevent victimisation. Since then, that community has identified the reduction of crime and violence as integral to achieving the sustainable development goals. Contrary, factors associated with globalisation and the pandemic have led to increases in certain crimes, thus increases in criminal victimisation. Preventing crime is necessary to prevent victimisation. Prioritising people’s safety, so they do not become victims, is crucial, and given should be a greater priority internationally and domestically. Drawing on findings from crime prevention programmes designed to prevent victimisation, the author argues that victim assistance must be a key element of preventive activities. However, while crime prevention and preventing victimisation, on the one hand, are ‘same, same’, on the other hand, they are ‘different’.