|
Approach |
Reasoning / mechanism |
Summary of research findings |
|
Increase CCTV coverage |
Cameras can:
|
Can be effective where it is clear what impact the scheme is meant to have, and where the right conditions are in place for the cameras to have the intended effect. Works best as part of an integrated and evolving package of measures. (Tilley, 1993) |
|
Secure by design |
Making it harder and more risky to commit can reduce crime. |
|
|
Improved lighting |
Better lighting will deter anti-social behaviour and make detection more likely. |
Small scale studies suggest that better lighting may reduce crime and incivilities in localised areas, at least in the short term. An evaluation of area-wide lighting improvements found these were popular and reassuring for the public but did not reduce crime to any great extent. (Atkins et al, 1991) |
|
Targeted policing of hotspots |
The more precisely patrol presence is concentrated at the ‘hotspots’ the less crime/disorder/anti-social behaviour there will be at those places and times. |
US evidence is that this is an effective strategy for dealing with local problems. (Goldblatt & Lewis, 1998) |
|
Targeting known offenders |
Disrupting offenders’ methods/routines can reduce crimes. The higher the police arrest rate for high risk offenders the lower the rates of crime/disorder/anti-social behaviour |
Targeting repeat offenders appears to be worthwhile. (Goldblatt & Lewis, 1998) |
|
Improved housing management
|
Clearly worded & even-handed tenancy agreements Attention to maintenance of facilities & open space in neighbourhoods, including rubbish collection street cleaning, 24 hour graffiti removal Rapid repair service Good housing allocation policies |
|
|
Repeat victimisation |
Protecting victims from further crime can reduce crime. |
UK research indicates that repeat victimisation initiatives can have some success in reducing thefts from vehicles. Initiatives targeting vehicles, owners and locations create greater scope to make an impact. (Chenery et al, 1997) |
|
Neighbourhood Warden Schemes |
Crime prevention (e.g. reducing levels of crime, anti-social behaviour & fear of crime) Environmental improvements (e.g. litter & graffiti removal, improving appearance & general state of repair of properties & public areas) Community development (e.g. promotion of community solidarity & confidence in local agencies, & intolerance of crime & disorder Establishment of patrols/concierge schemes, caretakers & promotion of community groups can assist in tacking anti-social behaviour |
Emerging evidence, based on Home Office findings of research visits, and the limited monitoring & evaluation exercises that have been carried out - suggests that Neighbourhood Warden Schemes (NWS) can help to address many of the problems faced by deprived neighbourhoods. It appears that NWS, often in conjunction with other local crime prevention initiatives, can contribute to bringing down crime and anti-social behaviour levels and fear of crime. Warden Schemes which encompass environmental and community-based aims, perhaps together with crime prevention elements, can help to reverse the social & physical decline of poor areas. (see Jacobson, J & Saville, E. 'Neighbourhood Warden Schemes: An Overview' Home Office Policing & Crime Reduction Unit, Crime Reduction Research Series Paper 2, Nov. 1999. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/prgpdfs/crrs2.pdf) The Home Office Policing & Crime Reduction Unit are commissioning research evaluating a small sample of NWS. The research will analyse the impact of NWS on levels of crime & disorder & the quality of life in local areas; assess cost-effectiveness & identify good practice elements. The findings are due in November 2000. |