Abstract

KRUGER, Freddie  and  LADIKOS, Anastasios. The development of a crime prevention model within a commercial production area. Tydskr. geesteswet. [online]. 2008, vol.48, n.4, pp.439-453. ISSN 2224-7912.

This article discusses four central themes essential for the designing of a model with the aim of improving crime prevention on farms in the area of "Transvaal Sugar Limited". The first theme refers to the improvement of attitudes between farmer and farm worker. In this respect the creation of good and positive work relations enhances mutual trust between employer and employee and minimizes the possibility of crime on farms because farm workers remain loyal to their employer by in a sense accepting "co-ownership" of the farm. In this sense one needs to be aware of the fact that various people have different needs which need to be fulfilled and the attitude of the employer is crucially important in this regard. Moreover the recruiting and selection of quality personnel should not be neglected by the employer as it is also an important step for the establishment of future attitudes and relations. Employers should carefully consider prospective candidates by conducting interviews and learning also from previous mistakes select the best candidate. As conflict and relative differences between groups of people are unavoidable, an attempt should initially be made to solve any arising dispute by mutual discussion between farmer and farm worker and by doing so potential conflict may be avoided. In addition better work conditions should be put in place to provide job satisfaction as employees expect to be treated fairly and also be part of a democratic decision making process which in turn will assist them to fulfil their full potential. The second theme revolves around the development of the farm worker by creating sound mutual work relations. The point of departure highlights the fact that the development and training of farm workers regarding their work obligations on the farm enhance the existence of good mutual work relations. Thus it becomes easier for the employer to explain to farm workers the importance of a budget or the impact of non-productivity on the budget results. The management of a worker's development includes performance measurement, performance discussion and development activities. An additional way to develop employees is through the process of job enrichment programmes. The third theme refers to the support which must be given by the South African Police Services and other instances to the farmer. It is absolutely essential that the government of the day supports and assists farmers by means of the optimal use of various resources at its disposal. The South African Police Services and organised agriculture are really in partnership with the farmer/employer with regard to crime prevention. Farmers do not only desire assistance during a farm attack but also effective service delivery in times of less serious crime incidents. It is the responsibility of the South African Police Services to show more interest by visiting farming communities more often and not only in times of need. They should also ensure that their logistic arrangements are always in order. Employers/farmers should also express greater interest in police activities by for example attending police meetings on a more continuous basis, not employing illegal immigrants and also by themselves taking basic steps in protecting their property and by reporting suspicious persons to the police. The fourth theme refers to the importance of crime prevention through target hardening. These are the steps that can be taken by farmers/employers themselves in order to prevent crime and are supported by modern technological aids. Consequently the farmer confirms ownership of his possessions and to a certain extent crime is transferred to more vulnerable areas. Physical barriers which are integrated with an alarm system serve as basic crime prevention measures implemented on a cost-effective manner by the farmer and thus protecting his property. In this research the printed media, quantitative and qualitative research principles were used to gather data and determine to what extent crime is experienced by the participants. The value of the primary physical barriers or obstructions with regard to crime prevention is also emphasised in this article. The ADSC crime prevention model is developed as a result of this study with the aim of contributing to the prevention of crime on farms.

Keywords : Crime prevention; farm attacks; barriers; physical obstructions; defensible space; environmental design; electronics; technology; security service providers; target hardening; development; support; interviews; empirical-phenomenological.

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