NCJ Number
115335
Date Published
1988
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This project illustrates how improved lighting on one British street reduced crime and fear of crime while enhancing public safety in an urban neighborhood.
Abstract
The focus of the project was a badly lit street and tunnel in the 'outer' city (Edmonton) which encouraged street crime. The study was a carefully controlled 'before' and 'after' study of the impact of lighting on crime and fear of crime. The crimes selected for analysis were violence against the person, auto theft and damage, and harassment. The police identified suitable sites for the lighting, and site visits were conducted by criminologists, lighting technicians, and police. A total of 207 street interviews were conducted before the lighting was installed, and 153 street interviews were conducted after the lighting was installed. Over a period of 6 weeks before and after relighting, incidents dropped from 21 to 3. Over the same period, those fearing for their personal safety on the street dropped from 65 percent to 62 percent. Police patrols and better lighting were regarded as the two measures which would do most to reduce crime and improve the safety of women. Improved lighting positively affected public perceptions of crime levels. 28 tables, 18 references.