POL2602 – Crime Prevention Principles |
POL2602: CRIME PREVENTION PRINCIPLES COMPLETE
ASSIGNMENT 1 RECENTLY UPDATED 2026/2027
POL2602
Crime Prevention Principles
Module Code POL2602
Module Name Crime Prevention Principles
NQF Level Level 6
Credits 12
Institution University of South Africa (UNISA)
Department Police Practice
Prerequisite POL1501 or equivalent introductory module
1. Introduction to Crime Prevention
Crime prevention refers to a wide range of activities designed to reduce or eliminate the
occurrence of criminal behaviour. It encompasses proactive measures taken by governments,
communities, law enforcement agencies, and individuals to minimise opportunities for crime and
mitigate its social harm.
POL2602 provides students with a foundational understanding of crime prevention theories,
strategies, and practical applications within the South African context. The module draws on
international criminological literature while addressing the unique socio-political and economic
landscape of South Africa.
1.1 Definitions and Scope
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Department of Police Practice | Page 1
, POL2602 – Crime Prevention Principles |
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) defines crime prevention as strategies
and measures that seek to reduce the risk of crimes occurring and their potential harmful effects
on individuals and society. For the purposes of this module, crime prevention is broadly
understood to include:
• Primary prevention: Targeting the general population before criminal behaviour occurs
• Secondary prevention: Focusing on at-risk individuals and communities
• Tertiary prevention: Reducing reoffending among convicted offenders
1.2 The Crime Triangle
The Crime Triangle (also known as the Problem Analysis Triangle) is a core analytical tool in
crime prevention. Developed from Routine Activity Theory, it posits that crime occurs at the
intersection of three elements:
1. A motivated offender who is willing and able to commit a crime
2. A suitable target (person or property) that is accessible and desirable
3. The absence of a capable guardian who could deter or prevent the offence
Crime prevention strategies aim to break at least one side of this triangle, thereby disrupting the
conditions necessary for a crime to occur.
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Department of Police Practice | Page 2
POL2602: CRIME PREVENTION PRINCIPLES COMPLETE
ASSIGNMENT 1 RECENTLY UPDATED 2026/2027
POL2602
Crime Prevention Principles
Module Code POL2602
Module Name Crime Prevention Principles
NQF Level Level 6
Credits 12
Institution University of South Africa (UNISA)
Department Police Practice
Prerequisite POL1501 or equivalent introductory module
1. Introduction to Crime Prevention
Crime prevention refers to a wide range of activities designed to reduce or eliminate the
occurrence of criminal behaviour. It encompasses proactive measures taken by governments,
communities, law enforcement agencies, and individuals to minimise opportunities for crime and
mitigate its social harm.
POL2602 provides students with a foundational understanding of crime prevention theories,
strategies, and practical applications within the South African context. The module draws on
international criminological literature while addressing the unique socio-political and economic
landscape of South Africa.
1.1 Definitions and Scope
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Department of Police Practice | Page 1
, POL2602 – Crime Prevention Principles |
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) defines crime prevention as strategies
and measures that seek to reduce the risk of crimes occurring and their potential harmful effects
on individuals and society. For the purposes of this module, crime prevention is broadly
understood to include:
• Primary prevention: Targeting the general population before criminal behaviour occurs
• Secondary prevention: Focusing on at-risk individuals and communities
• Tertiary prevention: Reducing reoffending among convicted offenders
1.2 The Crime Triangle
The Crime Triangle (also known as the Problem Analysis Triangle) is a core analytical tool in
crime prevention. Developed from Routine Activity Theory, it posits that crime occurs at the
intersection of three elements:
1. A motivated offender who is willing and able to commit a crime
2. A suitable target (person or property) that is accessible and desirable
3. The absence of a capable guardian who could deter or prevent the offence
Crime prevention strategies aim to break at least one side of this triangle, thereby disrupting the
conditions necessary for a crime to occur.
University of South Africa (UNISA) | Department of Police Practice | Page 2
