It focuses on the crime-prone situation rather than the offender. Strategies include physical security, access control, design improvements, surveillance and police patrols. The second seeks to prevent criminal behaviour by influencing the attitudes and behaviour of those most likely to offend. It aims to reduce the risk factors associated with offending such as poor parenting, school failure and restricted opportunities. It involves measures such as parenting programs, school enrichment and youth prevention projects, mentoring and helping young people into training and work.
Local governments have a key role to play in reducing crime through both approaches.
They can make crime prevention considerations a part of approval and planning processes, and refocus or enhance the community services it provides. The following three New South Wales case studies illustrate the combination of crime prevention approaches which can be applied to particular problems. The aim was to redevelop a hazardous area of dense underbrush and bush which was a gathering place for young people to drink and use drugs. This was a program establishing legal sites and work for the development of social and arts related skills with known graffiti offenders and their close associates. The project aimed at redirecting graffiti writers from illegal to legal work and developing their skills, both artistically and managerially.