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Crime Prevention and Planning: Searching for Common Sense in Disorder Legislation

NCJ Number
197235
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: 2001 Pages: 25-32
Author(s)
Kate Moss; Martin Seddon
Editor(s)
Rob Mawby
Date Published
2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the United Kingdom government's initiative towards partnerships in crime prevention and environmental planning.
Abstract
Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, is considered by the authors of this article, based on published research, to be already material in affecting changes in environmental planning and crime reduction in the United Kingdom. The wording of this Act, which emphasizes the vital importance of crime and disorder prevention, and a review of related legal cases are included here. The question of whether to modify Home Office Circular 5/94, "Planning Out Crime," is discussed. This circular advocates a balanced approach to design which attempts to reconcile the visual quality of a development with the need for security and crime prevention. The authors include a review of Planning Policy Guidance Notes that address issues of transport, development plans, sports, open space and recreation, town centres and retail developments, housing, and general policy and principles. It is noted that these notes have generally overtaken circulars in national planning policy guidance. Wakefield Metropolitan District is given as an example of how crime and disorder partnerships are successfully evolving. The difficult issues of development control and planner awareness are discussed. In conclusion, it is noted that it has never been more possible than the present to remove environmental opportunities for crime through crime prevention partnerships. Source reference notes are included.