One objective of criminal policy the world over has been to prevent, that is, avoid crime. In different locations, models have been developed that have been successful in their respective moments. A conclusion reached by the majority of these strategies is that solving the crime problem suggests that most of the best preventive actions are framed within two fundamental elements: the integration of formal and informal institutions and respect for rights. In Venezuela, the case is different. An analysis performed through a field study in two geographically distinct areas located far from each other and the capital city, showed that, although different forms of crime prevention are being designed around the world, here authorities continue to emphasize repression, using unclear concepts, characterized by improvisation; in other words, prevention in this country has a long road to travel.