Which of the following is a technique utilized in situational crime prevention?

The technique of hardening targets against criminal acts is a crucial aspect of situational crime prevention. This approach focuses on making specific locations or objects less vulnerable to crime, thereby discouraging potential offenders from attempting to commit illegal acts. Methods such as installing security systems, increasing lighting in public areas, and utilizing architectural designs that minimize concealment opportunities are all strategies that fall under this category. By making it more challenging for criminals to successfully execute their plans, the likelihood of crime occurring is significantly reduced.

In the context of situational crime prevention, hardening targets directly addresses opportunities for crime and aims to alter the environment to deter offenders. This practical, often immediate approach seeks to disrupt the factors that facilitate criminal behavior, which aligns with the fundamental principles of situational crime prevention.