Situational Crime Prevention: An Introduction

A large part of LPM’s mission is to provide educational content to our audience. We are excited to share this new offering as part of our partnership with LPRC. The research and studies showcased here are normally only made available to LPRC members. As a reader of LPM, you’ll get access to select research and be able to view it on our website. To see all the available research, go to https://lpresearch.org/ and learn more about becoming a member.


While criminology primarily examines crime and victimization, it encompasses numerous sub-fields that seek to understand the root causes of criminal behavior. Environmental criminology, for instance, highlights how physical environments can influence opportunities for crime. Within this sub-field, various theories are employed, with this paper focusing on situational crime prevention (often referred to as “SCP” in criminology circles), aiming to provide a concise overview.

Situational crime prevention offers a valuable framework for addressing crime within physical environments. Each approach offers targeted tools tailored to specific issues, though further research is needed to assess their effectiveness across various crime types, such as distinguishing between internal and external theft.

Digital Partners

Enhanced collaboration with retailers and supply chain groups can elucidate which strategies prove effective across the Five Zones of Influence.

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