Target Hardening

Definition

Target hardening refers to the strategies used to make potential targets of crime more difficult to access or attack, thereby deterring criminal activity. This concept emphasizes increasing security measures and physical barriers around properties or individuals, making it less appealing for criminals to attempt a crime. It plays a vital role in situational crime prevention by focusing on specific locations and implementing measures that reduce opportunities for crime.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Target hardening can include measures such as installing security cameras, reinforced doors, and alarm systems, all aimed at making a location less attractive to criminals.
2. One effective form of target hardening is the use of natural surveillance, where the design of an area allows people to monitor activities and deter potential criminals.
3. In residential settings, target hardening strategies may involve physical changes like better lighting, trimming hedges for visibility, and using locks and secure fencing.
4. Commercial properties often employ target hardening techniques such as access control systems and security personnel to protect against theft and vandalism.
5. While target hardening can be effective, it may also lead to displacement, where criminals simply move to less protected areas to commit their crimes.

Review Questions

• How does target hardening contribute to the overall strategy of situational crime prevention?
  • Target hardening is a crucial component of situational crime prevention because it directly addresses the opportunity for crime at specific locations. By implementing measures that make targets more difficult to access or breach, such as security systems or physical barriers, it effectively reduces the likelihood of criminal acts occurring. This approach not only deters would-be offenders but also shifts their focus away from fortified targets toward easier ones, ultimately contributing to a safer environment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of target hardening techniques in different types of environments, such as residential versus commercial settings.
  • Target hardening techniques can be very effective but may vary significantly between residential and commercial environments. In residential areas, homeowners might focus on enhancing personal safety through locks, alarms, and neighborhood watch programs. In contrast, commercial entities may invest in high-tech surveillance systems and security personnel. Each setting requires tailored approaches that consider specific vulnerabilities and types of crimes prevalent in those environments for optimal effectiveness.
• Critically analyze the potential negative consequences of target hardening on community dynamics and crime patterns.
  • While target hardening can effectively deter crime in certain areas, it may also have unintended negative consequences on community dynamics. For example, increased security measures can create a sense of division or isolation among residents if they feel compelled to barricade themselves from their neighbors. Additionally, as criminals adapt to heightened security, they may simply shift their activities to less protected areas, leading to displacement rather than a reduction in overall crime rates. Understanding these complexities is crucial for developing comprehensive crime prevention strategies that maintain community cohesion while ensuring safety.

Related terms

Environmental Design:

The practice of designing physical environments to reduce crime opportunities by increasing visibility and control over spaces.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED):

An approach that uses urban planning and design principles to reduce crime by modifying the built environment.

Situational Crime Prevention:

Strategies aimed at reducing specific crimes by increasing the risks or decreasing the rewards associated with criminal behavior.