Examines the relative impact of crime variables on quality of life, based on an analysis of fear of crime and quality of life responses to a household survey conducted in the 39 NDC areas. Looks at ways in which three case study NDCs are attempting to identify and respond to the issues perceived by the community as a problem in their area:

The research draws lessons from these approaches.

The reduction of fear of crime is a priority for policing and a Best Value Performance Indicator for local authorities. Those on low incomes, in social housing or in inner city areas are more likely to state that they are worried about crime. Surveys report that worry about crime is higher in NDC areas compared to national averages. The majority of NDCs included reduction of fear of crime as a target in their delivery plans.

Analyses fear of crime and quality of life responses to a household survey conducted by MORI in the 39 NDC areas. Approximately 500 individuals were interviewed in each NDC. Also draws on questions about disorder in the 2000 British Crime Survey (BCS). In the three case study NDCs, interviews were conducted with those responsible for interventions. Neighbourhood Wardens in Brighton and Hackney were shadowed. Community Forums were attended and minutes of past community meetings reviewed.

Concludes that crime is an important factor in understanding quality of life; and that attempts to improve quality of life by reducing crime should combine physical improvements with attempts to address perceptions, underpinned by interventions to tackle crime directly. The examples of approaches, notably neighbourhood wardens and community watch, suggest that interventions must be tailored to the local problems particularly those of high crime areas. Successful approaches are those that are linked into agencies charged with the rapid response to problems and which provide feedback on progress to the communities that have assisted them.

NDC National Evaluation, CRESR, Sheffield Hallam University
Phone: +44 114 225 3529
Professor Paul Lawless

01/08/2004

Christman, Kris; Rogerson, Michelle

research

Urban Policy > Security & crime prevention

Sense of insecurity