ABSTRACT
Policing strategies that are concerned with the geographic distribution and explanation of crime include "hot spots" policing, community policing, problem-oriented policing, broken windows policing, third-party policing, and focused deterrence strategies. This chapter describes how to prevent hot spots for the security practitioners and law enforcement professionals. Hot spots policing focuses police efforts at crime prevention in a very small geographic area where crime is concentrated. Vacant lots are sometimes hot spots and are best monitored by citizens who take "ownership" of them. Inspections from local government agencies can result in the owners of vacant properties being held responsible for the upkeep of the properties or being made to pay fines for noncompliance. The security practitioners and law enforcement professionals can locate open spaces and recreational areas in neighborhoods so they are visible from nearby homes as well as the street.
