防犯

• Reading: ぼうはん
• Romaji: bohan
• Kanji breakdown: 防 (bo) — prevent, guard; 犯 (han) — crime, offence
• Pronunciation: /boː.haɴ/

Meaning

Crime prevention; security. Measures or efforts taken to prevent criminal activity or protect against crime.

A compound of 防 (to prevent, guard against) and 犯 (crime, offence). Used extensively in urban planning, retail, housing, and law enforcement contexts. 防犯カメラ (security camera/CCTV), 防犯ブザー (personal alarm), 防犯灯 (security light), and 防犯パトロール (neighbourhood watch patrol) are all widely used terms. The promotion of 防犯意識 (security awareness) is a standard part of community safety programmes in Japan.

Examples

1. 商店街では防犯カメラを増設し、夜間の犯罪抑止に効果を上げている。 The shopping district has installed additional security cameras and is achieving results in deterring crime at night.
2. 子どもたちの通学路の防犯対策として、地域のボランティアが毎朝見守り活動を行っている。 As a crime prevention measure on children's routes to school, local volunteers carry out a morning watch activity every day.
3. 防犯意識を高めるため、警察署が住民向けの無料講習会を定期的に開催している。 To raise security awareness, the police station regularly holds free workshops for local residents.

Usage Guide

Context: law enforcement, urban planning, community safety, retail, education

Tone: practical, civic

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 防 (bo — prevent, guard) + 犯 (han — crime, offence). A concise compound capturing the concept of proactive crime deterrence. Became widespread in the post-war era as community policing and neighbourhood safety became priorities in Japanese urban policy.

Cultural Context

Era: Showa-Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal