The rational choice and opportunity of crime explain how people commit crimes when they see an opportunity or when they feel the consequences are far less than the benefits they could get from such crimes. However, in the deterrence of crimes, the government and other security agencies must ensure adequate crime control through the design of structures, parks, and private and public buildings (Michael & Paul, 2017). Shopping malls attract large numbers of people, thus making them a good target for criminals. Terrorism, shoplifting, and robbery could easily occur within shopping malls, hence the need for better crime control mechanisms through the mall's design. Connectedly, this paper provides design recommendations for the prevention and control of crime within shopping malls.
Natural Surveillance
In the design of the mall, designers must understand criminal behavior theories. In essence, criminals hate being recognized or seen. Consequently, they choose areas and situations that conceal their identity, giving them room to escape without notice. In the mall's design, both environmental and artificial surveillance systems must be used (Stephen & Craig, 2019). Most crimes can be prevented or controlled through adequate surveillance. Natural surveillance prevents criminal behavior by taming their behavior within the mall. Using the opportunity theory of crime, it is easier to understand how crimes can be prevented through surveillance. With adequate surveillance, there is no opportunity for the criminals to take in committing their evils acts.
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Both natural and artificial surveillance systems will be used in designing the mall. The windows and all the other open areas must be designed with clear sight. Obstructing objects like buildings and trees must be controlled, whereby trees should be trimmed. The parking areas should also provide clear sight, thus reducing any assault instances (Stephen & Craig, 2019). The parking areas should also be organized whereby cars' organization should enable security personnel to observe the whole area from a distance. Trees should also be planted in well-spaced intervals for easier sight and inspection. A crime could also happen within the shopping malls; in preventing such incidences, the malls should have adequate lighting and adequate spacing for preventing contact between strangers. For instance, the malls' pavements must be adequate to ensure safe interaction between people and goods. Parked malls could be a hotspot for pick-pocketing and other types of petty crimes. Providing adequate spacing and lighting within the malls prevents criminals from being opportunistic in the situation. Dark corners and sprawl spaces must also be eliminated in design as they could be hiding locations for criminals within the mall.
Surveillance cameras are also essential in ensuring the security of shopping malls. In addition to the natural surveillance systems, the mall must also employ artificial surveillance systems. In this aspect, the CCTV cameras are placed in all the entrance and exit channels to identify and capture visitors to the shopping mall. All the public open spaces like food courts, parking areas, and lobbies for easier crime control (Stephen & Craig, 2019). The CCTV placement will ensure real-time understanding and control of what is happening within the mall. All the intersections and crossroads within the mall must also be fitted with surveillance cameras. The delivery and loading locations must also be fitted with surveillance cameras to prevent any instances of theft. Installation of cameras will prevent crime by ensuring that all the potential offenders feel like they are being monitored, thus controlling their behavior. Any objects that could obstruct a clear camera view must be removed.
Access Control
Mall security can also be controlled through the use of natural access control utilities. In essence, this element of crime control ensures that criminals cannot easily access sensitive areas. This deterrence element ensures crime control through the placement of barriers and other guiding infrastructure within the mall. Landscaping and curbing must be used in controlling foot and automobile traffic into a visible and controlled area (Michael & Paul, 2017). The mall should also employ tension barriers and barbed wires in preventing unauthorized access. Building strong and reinforced walls around the mall will ensure that only the authorized people have access. Bar grills could also be used to ensure controlled entrance into the mall. Moreover, the grills also ensure that other customers can see whatever is happening within the mall. Essentially, people have, and automobiles have to follow distinct routes to prevent restricted trespassing areas. People should also be limited from accessing the mall in other ways rather than the intended means. For instance, people must use the entrance channels only while coming in and exits when going out. Such control will ensure that visitors can easily be scanned for crime prevention and control.
Territorial Reinforcement
This design aspect ensures that there is a clear difference between private and public areas. In the malls' design, the receptionist or payment counters must be distinct from the public space. Additionally, non-verbal or written signs must be placed to ensure that people understand restricted areas (Michael & Paul, 2017). For instance, there should be visible restrictions warning people against visiting the store areas. Security personnel must also function effectively in reinforcing respect for public and private spaces within the mall.
Reducing means and payoff
The ball must also be designed in a manner that reduces how criminals can access it. For instance, no trees should be planted near the perimeter walls or fence to prevent criminals from jumping into the area. Ladders and other materials that could help the criminals access the mall must also be removed. In reducing payoff, the mall must hire adequate security personnel (Michael & Paul, 2017). In essence, goods worth more than a specific amount must be scanned by the guards and verified before buyers are allowed to leave. In essence, this method will prevent criminals from stealing from the mall. The rational choice theory can explain this method, as criminals are more likely to think of the benefits they are to make from their sacrifice.
References
Michael L.B. & Paul C. (2017). In Their Own Words: Criminals on Crime. Oxford University Press. 7th edition.
Stephen G.T. & Craig H. (2019). Criminological Theory. Sage Publishers . 3rd Edition.
