The Effectiveness of Increased Lighting on Crime Reduction

• In Event: Evaluation of Evidence-Based Policing Initiatives

Abstract

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) has received much attention in research since it was first introduced as a crime control strategy. CPTED includes many recommendations of ways to change the environment in order to reduce risk including, at the community level, providing increased lighting on the street at night. This strategy, implemented by the City of Greenville, NC and the Greenville Police Department in 2016, allows for greater visibility, which in turn reduces the attractiveness of the area to potential offenders. This study examines the effectiveness of this lighting campaign using a pre-/post-test design to examine crime rates in the targeted areas before and after the lighting change. It is expected that crime rates will decrease after the change which would support the use of CPTED strategies by communities as a viable crime prevention strategy.

Authors

• Heidi Stone Bonner, East Carolina University

• Michele Stacey, East Carolina University