Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
The addition of security systems that only residents or workers can use is also an
important safety device. A particular need is to add more security, such as regular
police patrols or cameras, in designated waiting places, like bus and train stations,
especially at night, thereby increasing the perception of safety.
12626
Crime and Target Hardening
There is little doubt that reductions in crime have been helped by the increasing
number of households and businesses that have alarm systems linked to security
organizations that respond to break-ins and call in police help. In addition most
stores and banks have developed more procedures to train staff in how to respond to
robberies. Many have security guards and anti-theft devices, including the extensive
use of CCTV cameras, which help to identify people after criminal acts, as well
as better safes and storage facilities. The drop in car thefts is also a consequence
of better anti-theft systems on cars. All these examples provide ways in which the
potential targets of crime are made harder to attack.
12627
Crime and Maintenance and Management Systems
Most believe that it is imperative that there should be gatekeepers in high density
buildings, such as the concierges traditionally found in French apartment blocks.
They can monitor and perhaps control access, as well as providing advice and rapid
access to maintenance services when problems occur. It has been found that the
presence of security systems alone, whether cameras or special locks, are often
not enough to deter crimal or anti-social behaviour. One of the problems of many
of the public sector high rises built in many cities from the 1950s was the absence
of effective security systems or personnel, so that many quickly degenerated into
crime areas. Such systems need to be added. In addition it is important to develop a
pride of appearance and sense of ownership in local areas, which not only increases
aesthetic appeal, but helps to deter crimes. The so-called 'broken windows concept'
(Kelling and Wilson
1982
) hypothesized that if broken windows, lights and other
derelict features in properties were not repaired quickly they become a sign to those
with criminal dispositions that an area is untended, making it more susceptible to
crime. Such negative signification also applies to places where walls and buildings
are defaced by graffiti, are vandalised or poorly maintained, such as places with
broken doors and fences, ill-kept gardens, poor drainage systems, rotting piles of
garbage and few rubbish collection bins. It has been argued that the removal of
these eyesores may avoid a downward spiral of decay in an area, for neglected
areas are often subject to increasingly more serious criminal behaviour, and, by
being avoided and feared by the general public, create lower levels of surveillance.
This led many police forces, especially New York and Los Angeles, to target such
areas with a heavier police presence to deter crime and to punish those even guilty
of minor infractions, such as creating graffiti, property damage, or public drunken-
