Applied Crime Prevention in Hollywood 20 Cinema Location

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Introduction

Crime is a common social disorder in many communities around the world. The frequency and nature of this phenomenon varies with time and space. For example, it is possible to find neighborhoods that are free of crime, while others nearby are full of this vice. In this paper, the author analyzed the element of crime prevention in a location in Hollywood.

The location selected for the research plan is Hollywood 20 Cinema and its environs. The movie theatre is the main business premise within the area. The premises are located at 6711 Stage Road in Bartlett, Tenesse. The exact location is on the corner of Stage and Kirby Whitten Road. The facility is a venue that caters for the general public by showcasing different movies (Hewitt, 2011). The primary function of this place is to provide entertainment to the public. However, the site and its surroundings act as a venue where a wide range of criminal activities take place. They include gang bustles, thefts, and fights. In addition, the area is often full of juvenile groups.

The researcher, through observations, discovered that 6711 Stage Road Barttlet, TN, is a major intersection where parents drop off their children. Upon being released by their guardians, the teenagers are free to engage in any activity. The reason behind this is because they are not under any supervision. There are several commercial premises around Hollywood 20 Cinema. In addition, there are various parking lots, which can be accessed through different entry and exit points (Hewitt, 2011). The aspect makes the area a convenient locality for criminals to conduct their operations. The reason behind this is because they can gain entry and exit to different buildings without fear of been apprehended. Due to lack of barriers between buildings, offenders are able to disappear to the neighboring cities after committing an offence.

To collect information for this report, the researcher conducted naturalistic observations and interviewed several people around the area. Findings from a series of interviews by the researcher revealed that 6711 Stage road area’s average homing price is $80,000 within a radius of 1 mile. Property owners focus on the real estate business. The major natural environmental hazard that affects the area is tornadoes.

Hollywood 20 Cinema: Analyzing the Functioning of the Location using the ORCA Framework

From the observations made, the researcher found out that 6711Stage Road, Barttlet, TN, is a hot spot for criminal activities. In some instances, the spots are larger than places. The aspect occurs due to the mapping methods employed by analysts and the nature of criminal behaviors (Eck, 2015a). In addition, crime is concentrated among offenders, victims, targets, and time.

Organization

With regards to organization of space, 6711 Stage Road Barttlet, TN, has various premises that offer different services to the public. The researcher observed that there are five public schools located within 6711 Stage Road, TN. They include Alturia Elementary, Elmore Park Middle, and Baarttlet High School. Others are New Consortium of Law and Business and Olivias Montessori Preschool. In addition, there are several restaurants, including Krystal, and two drug laboratories. Out of all these buildings, the researcher found out that Hollywood 20 Cinema occupies the largest space. The property, which is fitted with bedrooms and bathrooms, is built on a land measuring 39,277 square feet (Hewitt, 2011). The nearest cities to 6711 Stage Road Hollywood 20 Cinema are Cordova and Lakeland. The population of this location stands at 40,543. The total number of households within the environs of the movie facility is 13,773. The average size of each of these units is 2.92 (Hewitt, 2011).

Regulation

In relation to the regulation of conduct, it is noted that Hollywood 20 cinema and its environs is an area characterized by different criminal activities. There are no strict measures put in place to control the activities of juveniles who hang around the business premises. To determine the level of regulation of conduct, the researcher examined the area’s crime rates records and statistics. The offensive acts include violent crimes, murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and property crime (Morina, 2012). Other common crimes include burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft. In addition, there are 9 registered offenders found within 1 mile of 6711 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN.

Control of Access

Control of access entails the restriction to enter a place or a resource (Eck, 2015a). The observations and interviews conducted revealed that most premises around 6711 Stage Road are accessible to the public (Morina, 2012). The facilities include Hollywood 20 cinema, restaurants, and shopping places. In spite of authorizations, access restrictions are found in the entertainment facilities. Control is managed by special personnel who include security guards and ticket checkers (Morina, 2012).

The premises around Hollywood 20 Cinema, which have complex control of access measures, are private properties. The reason behind this is because the general public is restricted from gaining entry. Due to the nature of building organization, different premises can be accessed from various points (Hewitt, 2011). There are no barriers between the structures. From the observation, it is apparent that control of access to 6711 Stage Road, TN, and its surroundings is an issue of concern. There are no strict measures put in place by the managers of different properties to monitor people’s access to the establishments. Easy access, for example, to a building guarantees quick exit for offenders (Schneider, 2007).

Acquisition of Resources

On the acquisition of resources, the residents of Hollywood 20 Cinema and its environs get their materials, energy, and other supplies from within the area and the neighboring cities, such as Cordova, Lakeland, Millington, and Gallaway. The researcher made observations and interviewed different residents and business owners to highlight this element. Business managers reported that they recruit a significant portion of their employees from within the locality. The area is rich in resources, from which different benefits are derived (Hewitt, 2011).

Crime and Disorder around Hollywood 20 Cinema

Places that are open to the general public are vulnerable to different criminal activities (Lab, 2010). A number of crimes are reported to take place around the movie theatres. During the hangout period, the researcher found out that the most common crime around and within Hollywood 20 Cinema are car break-ins. According to local police reports, the activity tops the list of the most reported crimes. From a series of interviews with the residents, the researcher discovered that criminals around the street steal anything that they can pawn or sell. The items include electronics and other devices attached to the front part of vehicles, such as radar detectors and GPS gadgets.

The researcher found out that crime is a major concern in this location. The reason behind this is because car owners are inconvenienced as they lose lots of valuable items. Every year, personal possessions and accessories worth billions of dollars’ are stolen through car break-ins (Rosenfeld, 2013). Within a period of three weekends when observations were made, about 15 vehicles were burglarized in Hollywood Cinema 20 parking lot and the surrounding areas. Most of the criminals conduct their business after 8:30pm. Majority of vehicle owners who visit various business premises around Hollywood Cinema leave briefcases, purses, electronics, wallets, and other items unattended in the cars. The offenders take advantage of this as they hide along the streets and observe their targets (Tilley, 2005).

During the hangout period, the researcher discovered that most criminals, some in their teens, focus on the area due to one major reason. They are guaranteed that the vehicle owners will spend some time away from the cars as they conduct their business. As a result, they can break into the vehicle without fear of been caught in the act. The major risk faced by the criminals is being spotted by passersby and other people who drive along the street (Tilley, 2005).

Routine Activities around Hollywood 20 Cinema

Every locality is characterized by different offenders and a wide range of target groups for the criminals. Each group of lawbreakers specializes in a given form of crime (Welsh, 2012). The choices are based on the level of experience and the consequences of each criminal activity. Within Hollywood 20 Cinema and its environs, potential offenders are juveniles and idlers. The researcher observed that the strategic location of the movie theatre makes it a convenient hangout place for criminals. The potential targets include passersby and people who visit the various shopping, entertainment, and restaurant joints along 6711 Stage and Kirby Whitten Road.

Through a series of observations and interviews, the researcher discovered that the place’s routine, targets, guardians, and handlers facilitate incidences of crime within the area. The targets influence crime occurrence in various ways. Majority of individuals who leave their cars at the parking lot do not take into consideration the monitoring by potential criminals (Maxfield, 2004). They assume Hollywood 20 Cinema parking lot is safe and well guarded. Due to this, some of them leave their cars unlocked or windows rolled down. In addition, some individuals believe they will only stay away from their vehicles for a short duration of time. However, once inside the premises, they spend more time than they had initially expected. Such factors mean that the criminals have the time to steal and disappear before they are spotted (Maxfield, 2004).

Through observations, the researcher found out that business premises around 6711 Stage Road Barttlet, TN, such as restaurants, operate till around midnight. Customers who visit the places during the odd hours become targets for criminals. Hollywood 20 Cinema, for example, operates almost on a 24-hour schedule. Due to this, some individuals tend to leave the facility late at night. All these factors influence crime occurrence. Criminals who operate within the area are guaranteed there will be potential targets for their business (Hewitt, 2011).

From a series of interviews with residents, the researcher discovered guardians and handlers also facilitate the occurrence of criminal activities around Hollywood 20 Cinema. Around 6711 stage road, there are a number of public schools. Some parents drop their children around the area and leave for their daily occupations. Majority of guardians do not put proper measures in place to ensure the children do not engage in misdemeanors after school hours (Braga & Weisburd, 2010).

Offenders play a big role in facilitating crimes. The fact that a place has high crime rates is an indication that it is not well manned by security officers or the locals (Tilley, 2005). As a result, many criminals make such places their preferred hangouts. From the long observation hours and analysis of crime statistics, the researcher discovered that Hollywood 20 Cinema and its environs is a location that is preferred by many offenders. According to reports from police and residents, majority of criminals come from the neighboring cities.

Due to the high crime rates reported annually, the area residents are coming up with measures to reduce criminal activities. After interactions with a number of people, the researcher found out that senior residents are organizing neighborhood watch groups. Each faction of about seven people is assigned night time for specified days (Mackey & Levan, 2013). They are required to alert the neighbors in case they suspect a crime is about to take place.

Hollywood 20 Cinema: Situational Measures

The underlying traits of locations vary with time and space. The characteristics tend to determine the rate at which crime take place within the area (Eck, 2015b). Hollywood 20 Cinema is a proprietary place that serves a distinct purpose of offering a wide range of services to the general public, such as entertainment. Situational crime prevention focuses on the setting and context of offences. It is not overly concerned with the criminals. The approach makes the actions of the offender difficult to execute by ensuring the target is inaccessible. To enhance effectiveness, the plan incorporates a wide range of techniques based on manipulation of the surroundings and application of technology (Lab, 2010). As a result, crime can be reduced and deterred if opportunities for offending are eased.

The researcher observed how situational crime prevention is nonoperational within 6711 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN. To reduce crime, the effort of committing the offence must be increased (Mackey & Levan, 2013). At the place, there is no element of target hardening. Different premises within Hollywood Cinema 20 lack controlled access plans. Due to this aspect, it becomes easy for criminals, majority of who are teenagers, to gain access (Mackey & Levan, 2013).

Within Hollywood Cinema 20 and its neighboring areas, people fail to pay attention to the importance of reducing rewards for crime. An important aspect in situational crime prevention is to focus on lessening the benefits of criminal activities (Eck, 2015b). During the hangout period, the researcher observed how car owners leave valuable items in their vehicles. Leaving such items in the open insinuates that the car owners are rewarding the offenders. The residents who live within 6711 Stage Road should work with law enforcement officers to disrupt the market for stolen items.

Situational crime prevention also entails increasing the risk of committing a crime. Criminals tend to focus on the risks of getting apprehended and not the consequences (Rosenfeld, 2013). The reason behind this is because when an offender is caught in the act, punishment is inevitable. As a result, criminals are careful when conducting their business. During the hangout period, the researcher, for example, found out that there are five entry points to the movie theatre’s parking lot. The feature makes it easy for criminals to escape from the premises after committing a crime. Teenagers, for example, can create a distraction at one entry point to facilitate the escape of their colleagues through another juncture. In addition, there are no barriers at the intersections between buildings and the neighboring city.

In spite of the numerous cases of criminal acts, the researcher found out that various situational crime measures have been put in place. Surveillance is being improved around Hollywood Cinema 20 and its environs. The reason for this is to increase the risk of committing crime. More security personnel have been employed to monitor the activities of persons around the parking lot. The improved formal surveillance deters criminals who are afraid of security guards and cameras (Clarke & Eck, 2014). In addition, measures have been put in place to ensure there is improved lighting around 6711 Stage Road, Barttlet, TN.

The researcher discovered that the area around Hollywood Cinema 20 is always packed with idle teenagers dropped off by their parents to attend school. Some of the young people end up engaging in misdemeanors around the premises. To reduce the acts leading to criminal activities, the managers of businesses around 6711 Stage Road have put measures in place deal with excess human traffic (Schneider, 2009). The plan entails posting notices warning against idling around their premises and prohibition of parking at certain points (Hewitt, 2011). As such, offenders have no excuses when caught roaming around restricted places.

Recommendations to Improve Crime Prevention around Hollywood Cinema 20

After hours of observation spread over different days and incorporation of the knowledge and experience gained by working at Barltlett Police Department, the researcher makes the following recommendations:

Movie enthusiasts and shoppers visiting the area should leave their valuables at home. As a result, the criminals will have nothing to steal. In instances where the car owner carries valuable possessions and accessories, they should not leave them in the vehicles. Another alternative is locking them in the trunk or glove compartment. Drivers should ensure they place items in the trunk before arriving at the parking lot (Lab, 2010). The reason is to ensure the criminals do not see where the valuables have been kept. The offenders are always watching the parking lots.
Business managers should ensure their premises are not overcrowded. Offenders tend to take advantage of packed places to rob people and hide in the crowd.
Car owners should ensure they close their windows. A minute opening makes it easy for the offender to break in. In addition, any valuable possession should not be left in plain sight on the seats (Maxfield, 2004). After conducting a series of interviews, the researcher found out that various people stash items under jackets or behind seats. The locations are not safe and do not deter a break-in. The reason is because criminals are familiar with such hiding places and acts.
In instances where an individual is a victim or a witness to a criminal activity, they should contact a law enforcement agency to report the crime (Welsh, 2012). The residents should ensure the street is well lighted during the night and parking lots are manned by security officers at all times. In addition, hidden CCTV cameras should be placed in the entrance and exits of the buildings around Hollywood Cinema 20.

References

Braga, A., & Weisburd, D. (2010). Policing problem places: Crime hot spots and effective prevention. New York: Oxford University Press.

Clarke, R., & Eck, J. (2014). Become a problem-solving crime analyst. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis.

Eck, J. (2015a). Hot spots & blobs APC week 5 lecture. University of Cincinnati, School of Arts.

Eck, J. (2015b). Risky facilities APC week 6 lecture. University of Cincinnati, School of Arts.

Hewitt, S. (2011). Maps. Mankato, Minnesota: Amicus.

Lab, S. (2010). Crime prevention approaches, practices and evaluations (7th ed.). Albany, N.Y: LexisNexis/Anderson Pub.

Mackey, D., & Levan, K. (2013). Crime prevention. Burlington, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Maxfield, M. (2004). Understanding and preventing car theft. Monsey, N.Y.: Criminal Justice Press.

Morina, A. (2012). Crime rates, types and hot spots. New York: Nova Science.

Rosenfeld, R. (2013). Economics and youth violence crime, disadvantage, and community. New York: NYU Press.

Schneider, S. (2007). Refocusing crime prevention collective action and the quest for community. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

Schneider, S. (2009). Crime prevention: Theory and practice. Boca Raton, F.L.: CRC Press.

Tilley, N. (2005). Handbook of crime prevention and community safety. Cullompton, Devon: Willan Pub.

Welsh, B. (2012). The Oxford handbook of crime prevention. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press.

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