Safety
One of the most empowering emotions is that of feeling safe and not having to worry about crime.
This unfortunately, is not always possible, even when perceived levels of crime are greater than the actual threat (as is often the case). Safe streets – for ourselves and our family – is central to our quality of life, giving us freedom, particularly after dark. However, many areas suffer from problems with gangs and drugs, with knife crime becoming a particular issue in recent years.
Security and design
These problems can be exacerbated by the way that neighbourhoods are designed. Large areas of badly-lit, semi-public space for which no one feels responsible breed both crime and fear of crime. By contrast, many traditional urban areas have a very clear distinction between public and private space, the former including streets, squares and parks that are well-lit and overlooked by surrounding buildings and feel safer.
Security and community
Having ‘eyes on the street’ works even when there is no one behind the windows because potential criminals don’t know if anyone is home. However, it works even better when people feel able and willing to intervene – something that relates back to a sense of community.
This can include Neighbourhood Watch groups and cooperation between communities and the police community liaison officers. It can also include local wardens, concierges, youth workers, park keepers and police community support officers. Some of these roles have diminished or disappeared in recent years, but community management remains an effective tool at increasing safety.
What you can do
Communities
In badly affected neighbourhoods, crime and security can be a catalyst to bring community groups together. A good starting point is to look at local crime data that is available from the police, which can be used as the basis for discussion with local police liaison officers. This can be developed into projects targeted at crime hot spots, which might include improved lighting, the removal of bushes, cleaning litter and graffiti, changing streets, installing CCTV and setting up a neighbourhood watch group.
Developers and designers
Consult the police when designing a new urban development and consider the level of crime locally. Make sure there is a very clear distinction between public and private spaces and ensure that the former are well-lit and overlooked.
Councils
Build strong links with communities and the police and encourage the establishment of neighbourhood watch groups. Support, as far as budgets permit, the provision of local youth facilities and workers along with initiatives that address gangs and knife crime.
Case study
Control: King’s Crescent Estate, London
King’s Crescent Estate was originally completed in 1971. Ground-floor garages and long shared balconies with multiple entry points made the site challenging to navigate and keep safe. Unpopular high-rise tower blocks were demolished in the 1990s, leaving gaps and wasteland and creating a sense of disillusionment and abandonment in the estate community.
The 2017 redevelopment focused on regular community engagement, training and upskilling, with residents involved in site-wide planning of new streets and homes.
A key success of the project is the social stability and sustainability achieved through active and regular engagement with the local community. A Residents Group and a Neighbourhood Watch have developed, which has also led to an improved sense of community safety.
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