Convinience store robberies: Security measures and store robbery incidents

Abstract

This study examined whether convinience store robberies are related significantly to the presence or absence of standard security protective conditions or measures. Previous research has argued that the probability of robberies is significantly reduced by certain store locational variables and/or installation of certain security measures. The researchers gathered data concerning locational variables and security protective measures found in 189 convinience stores within the city limits of San Antonio, Texas. Stores in the sample included locations for the 7-Eleven, Stop-N-Go, Circle K, and Lone Star companies. Police reports were utilized to determine the frequency of robberies at each of the stores from 1986 to 1988. A total of 680 robberies occurred at the 189 stores during the three-year period. A multiple regression model incorporating 18 locational and security protective variables was constructed to explain variations in the frequency of robberies at the stores. The authors conclude that (1) the model explained less than 30 percent of the variation in the frequency of store robberies, (2) only six of the 18 security measures were significantly related to the frequency of robberies and only two of the six were related in the expected direction, and (3) future research should consider whether selected “environmental” and business location variables are better predictors of robbery occurrences.