NCJ Number
145932
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1993) Pages: 555-561
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Studies investigating the positive effect of improved street lighting on crime and fear of crime have become more frequent, but many do not include a sufficiently long followup period to control for the effect of interviewing at different times of the year.
Abstract
The current study, conducted in Glasgow, Scotland, investigated the effect of improved street lighting on crime and fear of crime over a 12-month followup period. A random sample of 100 addresses was selected from streets bordering the study area, and interviewers used a table of random numbers to select respondents. In the first phase of the study, 69 individuals completed a detailed questionnaire. One year later, repeat interviews were conducted with 33 individuals. Respondents ranged in age from 16 to 88 years, and 75 percent were women. Improved street lighting was one of a range of environmental changes implemented in the study area. Findings revealed a decrease in the number of those worrying about being a victim of assault, sexual assault, or harassment. Respondents reported little relaxation, however, in precautions they took when going out alone after dark. Despite the fact that most homes were provided with door and window locks, an entry phone system, and a front door spy hole, 7 percent of respondents felt more unsafe at home when interviewed the second time. In general, lighting and other environmental improvements seemed to have only slight effects on perceptions of safety after dark. 13 references and 6 tables