Opportunity, Choice, and Burglary Victimization in Taiwan

This study examined burglary victimization in Taiwan with an application of the structure-choice model that included four theoretical dimensions: proximity to crime, exposure to crime, target attractiveness, and guardianship. Drawing on the 2000 Taiwan Areas Criminal Victimization Survey, the results of the current study showed a moderate effect of the opportunity model on Taiwan's burglary victimization. Also, this study found both consistent and conflicting findings in the current data. The null effect of motorcycles (including scooters) that represented the concept of target attractiveness in relation to burglary risk reflected a difference in population density and transportation needs between Taiwan and the West. Clearly, the role of social context needs to be understood when studies apply a Western model to a non-Western context.

Is your practice at risk for medical identity theft?

Medical identity theft has become increasingly prevalent. Medical practices need to take action and have policies and procedures in place to prevent data breaches. This will protect both the patient and the practice from medical identity theft.

Some facts and issues related to livestock theft in Punjab province of Pakistan --findings of series of cases

Stock theft is an endemic crime particularly affecting deep rural areas of Pakistan. Analysis of a series of cases was conducted to describe features of herds and farmers who have been the victims of cattle and/buffalo theft in various villages of Punjab in Pakistan during the year 2012. A structured interview was administered to a sample of fifty three affected farmers. The following were the important findings: i) incidents of theft were more amongst small scale farmers, ii) the rate of repeat victimization was high, iii) stealing was the most common modus operandi, iv) the majority of animals were adult, having high sale values, v) more cases occurred during nights with crescent moon, vi) only a proportion of victims stated to have the incident reported to the police, vii) many farmers had a history of making compensation agreements with thieves, viii) foot tracking failed in the majority of the cases, ix) all the respondents were willing to invest in radio frequency identification devices and advocated revision of existing laws. The study has implications for policy makers and proposes a relationship between crime science and veterinary medicine.

Factors influencing law enforcement decisions to adopt an evidence-based robbery prevention program

Homicide is the leading cause of workplace death among small retail and service businesses in the United States. Evidence-based programs have been shown to reduce robbery and robbery-related crimes in small retail businesses; however, reaching small businesses with programs has been difficult. As small businesses typically have no corporate backing or trade affiliation, police departments have been identified as potential vehicles for program dissemination. A national sample of 300 law enforcement agencies was surveyed to identify facilitators and barriers to adoption and sustainability of an evidence-based program. The questionnaire was developed using behavioral theory concepts and administered via telephone. Preliminary findings suggest the primary facilitators to program adoption included organizational capacity factors such as staff buy-in, dedicated personnel and financial support. Competing responsibilities was the primary barrier identified by agencies. Agency size and program complexity were identified as potential predictors of program adoption. Identifying agency and program-specific characteristics that influence program adoption by law enforcement agencies will be valuable for marketing programs to agencies that have the infrastructure to support and sustain program dissemination. Understanding these factors will optimize the reach of evidence-based strategies to small businesses.

Common embezzlement myths

With published statistics suggesting that embezzlement strikes three in five doctors at some point in their careers, this topic is of interest to every professional owning a medical or dental office, and tackles some of the biggest areas of misunderstanding concerning embezzlement in professional offices. Many readers will be surprised to learn that many of the steps that are frequently advocated to control embezzlement are, in fact, ineffective. This article suggests an approach that is quite different from what is normally recommended, and yet is far easier to implement than conventional embezzlement-control strategies.

HIPAA risk is contagious: practical tips to prevent breach

As of January 1, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services had reported 81,790 breaches of patient information in healthcare affecting millions of patients. HIPAA fines are growing, and penalties are becoming more onerous. The final omnibus HIPAA and HITECH rule has been announced, and compliance dates are set. Now is the time for medical practices to revisit HIPAA compliance, update policies, and prepare to meet new requirements. This article will help your practice protect patient information and reduce your overall HIPAA risk.