Citation

Xu J. Int. J. Offender Ther. Comp. Criminol. 2012; 56(2): 239-264.

Affiliation

University of Hong Kong.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0306624X10395715

PMID

21345893

Abstract

Using the example of motorcycle ban policy in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, this article examines how situational crime prevention strategies are used in contemporary urban China. The article argues that although a motorcycle ban policy may reduce motorcycle snatch theft (feiche qiangduo) in Guangzhou, it inevitably caused a problem of displacement. However, some types of displacement are desirable for local government. An argument about drive-away policing is proposed in this article to understand policing styles in contemporary China. In addition, the article argues that motorcycle ban, as a strategy to prevent snatch theft and robbery, is also a strategy to deal with the crisis in police legitimacy. Therefore, crime prevention in China has more social and political significance than just reducing crime.

Language: en