As mentioned in a previous blog, it is possible to design
out crime. This can be done by either adapting an existing area to reduce crime
levels, or by designing a new area (such as a new housing estate) to make it
crime-proof.
Reducing crime in current areas can be done by: designing
areas and houses to make it more difficult for crimes to be committed (this is
also known as target hardening - adding barbed wire fences, security patrolling
an area, adding double glazing to a house and having double locks and security
chains on doors). Warnings and alarms can also be added so people can be more
aware of when crimes are being committed and as such, people are more vigilant.
One final way of reducing crime levels is by tracking goods and people after a
crime has been committed (for example GPS trackers in laptops and phones). It
is also possible to talk to your local neighbourhood watch group about ways of
helping to reduce crime.
The picture below illustrates some of the ways designers
design out crime in a new area…
The houses overlooking the open space increases the amount
of area which can be monitored for crime. The open space with footpaths allows
everyone to keep an eye on suspicious behaviour. Underpasses are problematic
for crime reduction as it provides a blind spot for crime to occur in. Finally,
the cul-de-sac, as seen on the diagram above, makes it easy to notice someone
who is not known to the area and who is not supposed to be there.
The video below shows a case study which could be used in
the classroom…
Students could use google maps to find local examples of
where crime has been designed out of an area - by looking for cul-de-sacs, open
parks etc.
References
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/geography/spaces/crime/revision/5/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/designing-out-crime/1137.html
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/challenges/security/design-out-crime/
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