Report says crime can be 'designed out' of housing

Research conducted for the government by Design Council Cabe identified certain features of modern urban housing developments which had a direct effect on crime, anti-social behaviour and neighbour disputes.

Large rear parking courts, paths and spaces that are not overlooked and cul-de-sacs with pedestrian access between them were found to be key design features to avoid.

The authors hope the research will be used by police forces across the country to help influence the layout and design of new proposed neighbourhoods and prevent crime. 

Michael Clare, a crime prevention design advisor for Thames Valley Police said: ‘This is up to date research that is very positive and greatly helps in designing against crime. If adopted by developers and architects it means that for the lifetime of development there will be less crime and anti social behaviour, which will be beneficial for future residents and users.’

The study was run in collaboration with academics from the University of Huddersfield, working with crime prevention design advisors in local police forces and planning authorities. It looked at a variety of developments in three areas of the country - Greater Manchester, Kent and West Midlands.

Researchers conducted detailed site visits to developments to analyse and map specific design features and layouts, examined the recorded crime in the scheme, and interviewed neighbourhood policing teams and crime prevention design advisors.

The crimes the teams looked at included burglary, theft of and from vehicles, robbery, theft from the person, assault and criminal damage.

David Kester, chief executive of Design Council Cabe said: ‘Communities are becoming more involved in the design of future developments around them. This ground-breaking study helps equip them to work with developers and planners to put good design at the heart of creating places which are attractive, safe and successful, which has far-reaching social and economic benefits.’