Systems Thinking for Sustainable Crime Prevention

• In Event: Advances in Rural Criminology II

Abstract

In this presentation, we introduce the recently published book Systems Thinking for Sustainable Crime Prevention (Routledge, 2024). Advocating for a systems thinking approach, this book offers a comprehensive overview of areas with elevated levels of crime, which we consider ‘risky places.’ These can be facilities, nodes, or paths and can be found everywhere, from rural areas and small towns to megacities. Crime and fear are examined from the perspective of those who use these places, based on examples from the US, the UK, Sweden, Nigeria, Brazil, China, Australia, and more. We assess current barriers to applying systems thinking and identify ways to foster interconnected long-term crime prevention strategies that meet the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders. We hope this book can be a resource for those dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive, and sustainable environments across the rural-urban continuum.

Authors

• Vania Ceccato, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden

• Andy Newton, Nottingham Trent University