Crime Prevention Strategies

Right and Left Realism

  • CRIM1010 Tutorial, Week 11 Tutorial

Broken Windows Theory

  • Wilson and Kelling, 1982, ‘Broken Windows’, Atlantic Monthly (March).

  • Signs of social disorder encourage antisocial behaviour, indicating that ‘no one cares’.

  • Maintaining an ‘ordered’ space by reducing signs of decay and disorder signals that social controls are in place.

  • This theory was famously adopted in New York City in the 1990s, leading to a dramatic drop in crime rates.

  • However, many studies suggest that other factors contributed to the decrease in crime, such as:

    • Population changes

    • Economic improvement

    • Removal of lead

    • Increased incarceration

    • Changes in illicit drug use

  • Despite these factors, the principles of Broken Windows Theory remain popular among politicians and the public. Broken Windows Theory: - Social disorder encourages antisocial behavior, signaling that ‘no one cares’. - Maintaining an ‘ordered’ space reduces signs of decay, indicating social controls. - Popularized in NYC in the 1990s, leading to decreased crime rates. - Other factors may have contributed to the crime decrease, but the theory remains popular.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

  • Key focuses:

    • Target Hardening: Making it more difficult to commit a crime against a specific target.

    • Image Management and Maintenance: Ensuring the environment appears cared for and orderly.

    • Natural Surveillance: Designing spaces to maximize visibility.

    • Natural Access Control: Limiting access to areas.

    • Territorial Reinforcement: Clearly defining boundaries and ownership.

    • Activity Support: Encouraging legitimate activities in an area.

  • A key focus of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is to increase the risks and reduce the rewards of crime. This reflects rational choice theory.

CPTED Examples

  • High-risk areas with minimal CPTED measures:

    • Intentional landscaping can create obstacles preventing easy escape/approach.

  • Low-risk areas with robust CPTED measures:

    • Shrubbery in front of windows naturally prevents easy viewing into the home.

    • Dense vegetation can be used as natural fencing preventing easy access.

    • An indirect path to the front door shows purpose and intent upon entry/exit.

    • Plants can be used to create natural barriers while adding to the overall aesthetic.

    • Lighting makes it more difficult to use the cover of darkness to hide.

Family Pantry, Grand Rapids, MI

  • An example of crime prevention building code adopted in Grand Rapids, MI.

  • The store was subject to repeat victimization, and its initial design was found to have contributed to the repeat victimization.

  • Application of CPTED principles:

    • Target Hardening

    • Image Management and Maintenance

    • Natural Surveillance

    • Natural Access Control

    • Territorial Reinforcement

    • Activity Support

Crime Reduction in Newcastle East

  • A spate of break-ins and car thefts in a housing complex.

  • Considerations for crime reduction:

    • What about the built environment increases the risk of crime?

    • What strategies can you advise to reduce crime in this specific neighbourhood?

    • How would you work with residents to implement these strategies and how would you know if they were working?

    • How is Broken Windows Theory, or other theories in the course, evident in this scenario and how would it influence your team’s response to reduce crime?

References

  • Justin Hicks, ‘Community Asked to Weigh in on Grand Rapids’s Crime Prevention Ordinance’, MILive.com, 4 August 2019

  • Terence Love, Use CPTED to Reduce Repeat Victimisation (18 February 2020)

  • Rise Stockton, ‘Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design’, n.d.