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Environmental Barriers to Crime

NCJ Number
157084
Journal
Ergonomics in Design Dated: (October 1994) Pages: 9-16
Author(s)
R Atlas; W G Leblanc
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Miami Shores, Fla., has used barricades and road closings at the city planning level as crime prevention tools.
Abstract
Concerned about drivers speeding through their side streets to avoid traffic lights during rush hours and with increased property crime by outsiders, residents voted in 1986 for 67 street closures and barricades. They were taxed for the construction of temporary barricades, which were later replaced by permanent, landscaped ones. At least 51 percent of the residents in each neighborhood had to sign a petition illustrating proposed closures for it to be implemented. An analysis of crime patterns before and after the program indicated that the street closures and road barricades may have changed the criminal patterns of burglary, larceny, and auto thefts in Miami Shores. Although some crimes appear to be unrelated to environmental road devices, overall crime in the barricaded areas is increasing at a slower rate than in the surrounding municipalities, with all factors remaining equal. In addition, the mobilization of communities for and against the barriers resulted in a social organization that has increased awareness of crime, participation and cooperation with law enforcement and government agencies, and a sense of community. Photographs and 8 references