Abstract
The influence of lighting on crime was investigated by considering the effect of ambient light level on crimes recorded in three US cities for the ten-year period 2010 to 2019. Crime counts were compared for similar times of day, before and after the biannual clock change, therefore employing an abrupt change of light level but without an obvious intervention such as improving road lighting in an area. The results suggest a significant increase in robbery during darkness, confirming previous studies. The results also suggest darkness leads to an increase in arson and curfew loitering offenses, and to a decrease in disorderly conduct, family offences (non-violent) and prostitution. Future research investigating the effectiveness of improved street lighting should consider that this may not be beneficial for all types of crime.
Highlights
While there are many benefits arising from the provision of road lighting [1] its installation and use brings unwanted consequences including light pollution, energy use and ecological impact
One of the assumed benefits of road lighting in subsidiary roads is a reduction in crime
A statistically significant effect of ambient light level was found for one type of crime, robbery, with the Odds Ratio (OR) (1.58) suggesting an increase in robbery after dark compared with daylight, confirming previous work concluding that robbery is influenced by ambient light level [11,22]
Summary
While there are many benefits arising from the provision of road lighting [1] its installation and use brings unwanted consequences including light pollution, energy use and ecological impact. An aim of lighting design, and of recommended criteria for lighting design, should be to balance the benefits and consequences. One of the assumed benefits of road lighting in subsidiary roads is a reduction in crime. The benefits of road lighting described in BS5489-1:2020 [2] include “the potential of helping to reduce crime” and to “discourage crime against people and property.”. An assumed benefit is not sufficient: in order to inform the cost–benefit equation of road lighting provision there needs to be robust evidence of where, when and what type(s) of crime are mitigated using road lighting The benefits of road lighting described in BS5489-1:2020 [2] include “the potential of helping to reduce crime” and to “discourage crime against people and property.” CIE 115:2010 [3] suggests that good lighting “discourages crime against the person and property” and “makes the detection of crime easier”; it states that “Residential lighting is, often installed or upgraded as a measure against crime and is assuming an increasing importance in this role, in urban areas.”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
