A research study conducted across six major US cities has found that targeted investments in neighbourhoods, such as home repairs and new construction, can lead to significant drops in crime.
The study, “Investment and Crime on Residential Street Segments: Assessing the Moderating Role of Neighbourhood Characteristics,” by researchers Marie Skubak Tillyer, Arthur Acolin, and Rebecca J. Walter, found that targeted investments in neighbourhoods, such as home repairs and new construction, can lead to significant drops in crime.
Tillyer is a criminologist specialising in public safety strategies, Acolin is an expert in real estate and urban development, and Walter focuses on housing policy and its social impacts.
The study analysed data from six major US cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Seattle, offering promising solutions for cities seeking to improve safety and quality of life for residents.
Thanks to the magic of Google NotebookLM – here is an audio overview of the findings:
1. What is the main finding of the research on investment and crime in residential areas?
The research consistently shows that investment in residential areas, especially in the form of structural home repairs, new construction, and renovations, is associated with significant reductions in crime.
This connection is observed across various US cities and holds true even when considering other factors that might contribute to crime levels.
2. How does investment help reduce crime?
Investment is believed to work through several mechanisms:
- Improved physical environment: Investment can reverse physical decline and disorder, which are known to encourage criminal activity.
- Strengthened social ties: Investment can make neighbourhoods more attractive, leading to increased social interaction and informal social control among residents.
- Motivated property management: Investment can create incentives for property owners and managers to protect their assets by addressing criminogenic conditions.
3. Does the investment similarly impact crime reduction in all neighbourhoods?
Research suggests that the crime-reducing benefits of investment are not uniform across all neighbourhoods.
The impact is generally amplified in disadvantaged communities historically suffering from under-investment.
These areas often have a “lower floor” of social control and resources, making them particularly sensitive to the positive changes brought by investment.
4. Why is studying crime and investment at the street segment level important?
While neighbourhood-level analysis provides valuable insights, crime is highly concentrated at smaller spatial scales, such as street segments.
Understanding how investment affects crime at this micro-level is important for targeted interventions and efficient resource allocation.
5. What neighbourhood characteristics moderate the relationship between investment and crime reduction?
The study identified several key neighbourhood characteristics that influence the effectiveness of investment in reducing crime:
- Concentrated disadvantage: Investment is most effective in reducing crime in neighbourhoods with high levels of concentrated disadvantage, characterised by poverty, unemployment, and low education levels.
- Residential stability: Neighborhoods with low residential stability, where residents move frequently, tend to benefit more from investment compared to those with higher stability.
- Median housing value: Investment has a more substantial impact in neighborhoods with lower median housing values.
6. What types of investments are most effective in reducing crime?
While the study primarily uses building permits as an indicator of investment, the research suggests that various types of physical improvements can be effective:
- Structural home repairs: Even minor repairs can significantly reduce crime.
- New construction: Investment in new housing can revitalise areas and deter criminal activity.
- Remediation of vacant lots and abandoned buildings: Addressing these issues can create safer environments.
7. What are some policy implications of these findings?
The research highlights the importance of integrating public safety, urban planning, and community development efforts. Local governments can use this information to:
- Target investment to high-impact areas: Direct resources to neighbourhoods with high levels of concentrated disadvantage, low residential stability, and low median housing values.
- Offer incentives for private investment: Encourage developers to invest in under-resourced areas through expedited permitting, fee waivers, and density bonuses.
- Support home repair and remediation programs: Provide financial assistance to homeowners for repairs and address issues like dilapidated properties and vacant lots.
8. What are some potential unintended consequences of investment?
While investment can have significant positive effects, it is also important to consider potential unintended consequences such as:
- Displacement of existing residents: Investment can lead to increased housing costs, potentially displacing long-term residents.
- Changes in neighbourhood character: Investment can alter neighbourhoods’ social and cultural fabric.
Evaluations of place-based initiatives should be comprehensive, measuring a range of outcomes, including residential stability, public safety, health, and economic impacts.
