The perceived effectiveness of surveillance in reducing crime at shopping centers in Finland

Abstract

Purpose -This study seeks to analyse managers' perceptions of the effectiveness of both informal and formal surveillance in reducing vandalism, disturbance, and shoplifting in their shopping centers in Finland. Design/methodology/approach -The present study utilizes elements of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) in its theoretical approach. The data are based on an internet survey in Finland conducted in February and March of 2009. The sampling frame of the present study consistes of the 58 shopping centers and especially those managers who are responsible for security and safety management investments at these centers. All together 32 managers completed the survey. Findings -This study reveales that perceived effectiveness of both formal and informal surveillance in reducing all three types of crime is high. Security guard patrols are clearly perceived to be the most effective formal surveillance method. Also, activity of personnel and premises that are easily monitored, are perceived very effective in reducing incidence of crime at the shopping centers. Research limitations/implications -Qualitative studies could reveal issues that would enable more thorough operationalization of the concepts linked the surveillance and security in shopping center context. Practical implications -The paper sensitizes managers to think where informal and formal surveillance work best in shopping centers. Originality/value -Very little empirical research has evaluated the effectiveness of surveillance at shopping centers. The present study fills this research gap.

Perceived safety of the retrofit neighborhood: A location-based approach

“…Natural surveillance promoted by integrated approach is made possible by maximizing visibility and fostering positive social interaction (Reynald and Elffers, 2009;Kajalo and Lindblom, 2010). In practice, natural surveillance is usually furthered with solutions that stress only visibility and defensible space through building physical features that impede escape or incivility and thus relate to segregated approach.…”

Fieldwork protocol as a safety inventory tool in public places

“…Spots showing high crime areas were inspected using FPs. Fieldwork information was later combined with reports of occurrences of crime (secondary data) over a period of 17 months (from January 2015 to May 2016) and a perceived safety survey applied using mobile telephones and photographs of the shopping center (for details, Kajalo and Lindblom, 2010); . The crime records constituted by police recorded data collected from three sets of coordinates covering the location of the shopping center, and cartographic maps were later digitalized using either AutoCad or GIS.…”

Honesty, Social Presence and Self-Service in Retail

“…In line with this framework, the implementation of surveillance has increased over recent decades (Welsh et al, 2010). Formal surveillance, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), store staff, security guards, and informal surveillance, such as lighting and placing of products, are seen to be effective measures against crime (Kajalo & Lindblom, 2010). Irrespective of transaction format, however, inventory loss due to customers has been and continues to be an ongoing problem for retailers, with exact figures typically estimated (Beck, 2011) and unlikely to be known.…”