This shift toward crime prevention as a major element of criminal justice policy has broad appeal across the political spectrum, and has been supported by an increased research interest in how crime is experienced by individuals and communities. At the heart of most crime prevention projects is a belief that the key to dealing with the types of crime that affect people's daily lives lies in community involvement and participation. A pilot scheme tested between 1976 and 1979 involved local residents of housing authority estates in environmental improvements in an attempt to reduce vandalism. This approach proved so successful that it or a variant was implemented in 58 housing estates in most areas of England and Wales by the end of 1984. Most projects include resident surveys; small group, consultative meetings with samples of tenants; and establishment of a steering committee to develop an action plan based on tenant recommendations. Another project has used juvenile crime consultative groups to improve procedures for dealing with juvenile crime. Such groups involve court personnel, police, education authority personnel, probation and social services representatives, youth workers, churches, and members of community associations. 20 references.