A Little Yellow Box: The Targeting of Automatic Teller Machines as a Strategy in Reducing Street Robbery

Abstract

This article is based on part of a wider research study concerning street robbery. It is concerned with the application of the concept of ‘personal defensible space’ at automatic teller machines (ATMs) in a high-robbery area. The application of personal defensible space in the pilot study area had a significant effect on the number of robberies committed at or in close proximity to identified ATMs. The article also considers how the proximity of drug and stolen goods markets has an effect on the number of robberies committed. Finally, the article suggests that the identification of vulnerable ATMs and the creation of a personal defensible space zone may lead to greater safety and thus prevent crime.