Crime Prevention and Reduction
A crime is an act that breaks a law that relates to how to behave in society. The harm caused by the act is seen to be against society as a whole, not just a specific person. It includes Criminal Code offences against a person or property, drug offences, some motor vehicle offences and other provincial or federal statute offences.
Crime typically occurs when three things happen at the same time and in the same space:
- A motivated offender is present.
- A suitable target is available.
- There is either something or someone present which encourages the crime, or nothing or no-one to discourage it.
When we think about making communities and people safer, we often talk about two concepts - crime prevention and crime reduction. The major difference between the two is one of perspective.
Crime Prevention
- Supports the creation of positive opportunities for youth and communities.
- Actively engages community partners to work together to prevent crime.
- Involves looking at locations and situations where crime could occur.
- Looks at the people who have not committed a crime, but who may be at risk of becoming involved in crime.
Crime Reduction
- Means looking at places and situations where a serious problem with crime already exists.
- It includes looking at people who have already been involved in criminal activities.
Regardless of the approach taken, everyone (including police, RCMP, government agencies and community partners), has a role in preventing and reducing crime.
