Reducing RewardsPrint

​​If someone has the intention to commit a crime, then environmental design can reduce the actual or perceived "rewards" of committing the crime by increasing the likelihood of detection and interruption. 

While specific detailed features of the built environment do not cause crime, they may provide the setting for its occurrence. The details of that setting can promote or prevent antisocial activities that create unsafe environments for others.

Some crimes may occur simply because a willing offender is presented with the opportunity to carry out a crime. However, generally crime is carried out by the people who already have a criminal intent. If someone intends to commit a crime, they usually choose the conditions that offer the greatest chance of getting away with it undetected.

There is evidence that a number of specific physical design or environmental characteristics are relevant to:

  • Increasing the offender's perceived and real risk of being caught
  • Increasing the technical difficulty of committing a crime
  • Reducing both attempted and successful crimes
  • Increasing people's perception of their personal safety and security and reducing their fear of crime​

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