Broken Windows - Wilson and Kelling

What idea does Wilson and Kelling attempt to develop?

crucial to try to maintain informal social control in neighbourhoods

What do Wilson and Kelling suggest as a way to prevent crime?

Clamping down on the first signs of undesirable behaviour in a neighbourhood

What do Wilson and Kelling suggest as the chain of reaction which causes crime?

• Broken window (disorder goes untreated)

• Fear

• Law-abiding citizens will not feel safe and avoid

• Removes informal social control

• Leaves areas to criminals

What is a Solution to Wilson and Kelling’s Broken Window Theory?

Need both formal and informal control

• formal: laws, police

• informal: members of the public

Who created the Broken Windows explanation for crime?

Wilson and Kelling