Improve street lighting – lower crime
A UK study has been initiated in order to identify the effects of street lighting on crime levels. The study concludes on findings of various related reports from a time period of several decades.The findings reveal that improved lighting immediately lead to an increase in the perceived public safety. This encourages more people to use the streets at night, which again intensifies natural surveillance.
Generally, people sense that a well-lit area is safer than one that is dark.When certain areas are made more bright at night, it also deters potential offenders from committing crimes because their risk of being recognized or interrupted during their criminal activities is increased.Thus, street lighting improvements are a tangible alteration to the surroundings which can act as a catalyst to lower crime rates through changes in perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of residents and potential offenders. The image of the location might improve, giving locals and offenders the impression of increased control and order. This again might have a positive effect on community confidence.
Depending on the crime problem, it is concluded in the study that improved street lighting can often be implemented as an inexpensive and effective crime-reducing measure. Read the full report here…