Crime and crime prevention in an Australian growth centre

Abstract

Drawing on a case study of a growth centre on the fringe of Australia’s most populous city, Sydney, this article considers some of the potential crime generating consequences of urban sprawl and the associated challenges of planning for crime prevention. Significant population growth residing in predominantly detached houses on the urban fringe will potentially increase opportunities for crime. Empty completed dwellings prior to occupation; lengthy commuting to employment for new residents; financial pressures associated with ‘mortgage stress’; and growing numbers of young people are some of the potential crime generators in the area. Through this case study, we illustrate some of the complexities of large-scale, peri-urban, residential development and the challenges of embedding crime prevention during this period of rapid and sustained population growth.