Summary

An explosion of crime prevention activity was witnessed in the 1980s. Despite the scale of this activity, questions still need to be asked about the rationale behind much of what is going on. Is there a theoretical basis to the work? Is the work based on proven evidence of success? These questions are particularly relevant as, despite the plethora of crime prevention initiatives, crime rates continue to rise. This report, prepared by the Safe Neighbourhoods initiative, brings a spotlight to bear on housing-related crime prevention, in particular within estates and neighbourhoods. The book, in two parts, first reviews published (and occasionally unpublished) material, and then reviews the cost benefit analysis and cost effectiveness assessment.