NCJ Number
102009
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1986) Pages: 279-290
Date Published
1986
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Following a descriptive review of the extent and seriousness of convenience store robberies in Canada, the article describes and evaluates a robbery information and prevention program implemented by the Vancouver Police Department (British Columbia).
Abstract
Implemented in 1981, the program provided store operators with guidelines for responding to a robbery or attempt and identified seven primary steps that stores could take to reduce their risk of victimization. The robbery prevention kit supplied to operators contained posters and decals to be used as references for actions in the event of a robbery. Seminars, including a slide presentation, also were offered regularly throughout the city. Since its implementation, the program has been extended to include many other types of businesses. An informal evaluation based on police records for the 37 months following program implementation and interviews with store operators suggest that the program has been effective. Compared to nonparticipants who were robbed, participants averaged a lower loss per incident rate. Participants also were better informed about what to do in the event of a robbery. The program also helped promote better police-business relations. A major problem of the program has been the low rate of total compliance (20 percent) with the suggested risk-reduction strategies. 16 references.