DESIGN AGAINST CRIME: FEAR AND DETERRENCE AS MOTIVATORS FOR CRIME PREVENTION DESIGN

Purpose: This paper reviews various methods of deterrence measures integrated into design for crime prevention. It discusses crime prevention concepts such as surveillance and detection methods, protective barrier systems and security lighting. The paper draws attention to the place of fear in the concept of deterrence. Fear has always been one of the driving forces behind human aspiration and activity. It drives people to take action either for self-interest or self preservation. Fear of victimisation drives people to take precaution to prevent further victimisation while fear of apprehension and punishment could deter criminals. It argues that the use of design and physical security measures can help to achieve deterrence. Design/methodology/approach: The method adopted was narrative review of existing literature and observation of existing practices for deterrence in Abuja, Nigeria. Observation is a qualitative research method that helps a researcher to have a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under study. Findings: The paper presents a deterrence framework that consists of three components of crime act considerations, deterrence considerations and deterrence application (crime containment). The framework links together the theories of fear of crime, deterrence and crime opportunity. The study noted that the application of turnstile access control mechanism integrated into design helped to enforce orderly pedestrian entry into the Federal Capital Development Authority complex while allowing security to closely observe employees and visitors entering the complex. The result also indicates that the design of some buildings allow for surveillance shadows which could lead to security breach. Originality/value: It concludes that by leveraging on the principle of fear designers of buildings, the built environment and security products can contribute immensely to crime prevention and reduction. An understanding of the Crime Containment Framework will increase crime prevention practitioners’ knowledge and effectiveness. Deterrence measures, leveraging on situational crime prevention, should be focussed on crime settings by increasing the difficulties and risks of committing crime.