| Project title: | Target Hardening of Banks Australia and Displacement of Robberies |
|---|
| Project type: | Situational Crime Prevention |
|---|
| Publication: | Security Journal, 2(2) 1991; 84-90. |
|---|
| Researchers/contact: | Ronald V. Clarke ; Simon Field ; Gerrard McGrath |
|---|
| Commencement date: | 1991 |
|---|
| Location: | VIC ; Melbourne |
|---|
| Funding body/institution: | National Police Research Unit, Adelaide, Australia |
|---|
| Description of the study: | This study examines the preventative effects of target hardening in Australia banks between 1979 and 1989. The study assess whether or not the marked decline in bank robberies was the result of target hardening and if robberies were displaced to other targets such as pharmacies, motels and petrol stations. |
|---|
| Description of the outcomes: | The researchers conclude that the increased security measures employed by banks between 1979 and 1989 increased the risk of apprehension and decreased the risk of injury to staff. The study however could not conclude on an absolute basis that target hardening reduced robberies within the test areas. Furthermore, after the introduction target hardening a displacement of robberies to other targets occurred. Statistically, there was a clear increase in the number of robberies associated with other smaller targets such as TAB venues, pharmacies and convenient stores. |
|---|
| Evaluation: | See above description of outcomes which are based on a systematic evaluation of impact. |
|---|
