What is crime prevention?

Crime prevention refers to the proactive measures taken to reduce the risk and occurrence of crime. This approach often involves strategies that focus on community engagement and environmental design, aiming to address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal activity. By fostering a collaborative environment, communities can work together to identify risks and implement solutions that deter crime before it happens.

This approach can include initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs, community policing, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), and educational campaigns focused on crime awareness and safety. The goal is not solely to intervene after a crime has been committed, but rather to create an environment that minimizes opportunities for crime to occur in the first place.

In contrast, the other options focus primarily on measures that come into play after criminal activity has taken place or that do not adequately address prevention. Increasing penalties may act as a deterrent but does not fundamentally prevent crime. Monitoring convicted criminals pertains to post-sentencing measures rather than preemptive strategies, and efforts centered exclusively on catching criminals do not address the broader societal issues that contribute to criminal behavior.