Structured Interview 19th April 2009 13:00h, Rotherham.

Mr. Adam Hussain BA(Hons) Criminology and
Miss Abigail Read BA(Hons) Criminology
Sheffield Hallam University

Purpose of Activity
To uncover professional opinions regarding design to minimise criminal activity in residential areas of inner suburbs.

Methodology
To arrange a basic structured interview in order to obtain professional input to identify the causes and solutions to crime (including anti-social behaviour, vandalism, theft and physical violence)

Anticipated Outcome
What are the underlying factors of crime, where do they occur most, and what mechanisms can be placed in situ to combat this issue.

1. In your professional opinion, does the design and layout of a residential community have a contributing factor towards criminal activity? (For example, would a poorly lit ally encourage crime?)

Yes; for example, a cul-de-sac that is designed in a circular shape prevents criminality as each neighbour can see each other’s property. Also areas with crime prevention mechanisms such as fencing and neighbourhood watch systems deter crime. Terraced houses allow for criminals to remain invisible as the ‘alley ways’ are used as an easy escape route.

2.As far as you are aware, are there any devices (other than CCTV/Alarms etc) which can be put in place to reduce anti-social behaviour and criminal activity?

A dispersal order can be used to reduce anti-social behaviour within the community as it allows for the police to remove unwanted ‘youths’ from certain areas. If the anti-social behaviour is focussed around children under 10, the police also have the right to remove that child if unaccompanied by an adult after 9pm. Spy holes in most modern doors are another mechanism to reduce criminal activity. Two-way telecoms that are mostly seen in residential flats promote deterrence of criminal activity as the resident will only allow access if they know the ‘visitor’. Graffiti is often seen in residential areas, so an anti-vandal paint was introduced to counter such vandalism.

3.Are there any known design flaws that you are aware of which have been known to influence crime? Or any case studies which have been proven effective at reducing crime?

Although ASBO’s were introduced to reduce anti-social behaviour it seems that the ‘accolade’ has become a positive for young people which have only increased criminal activity.
Leeds Distraction Burglary Initiative (LDBI) - This initiative gave skills to those most at risk of this crime, although it did reduce crime, it was only carried out on a small scale and wasn’t an ongoing project (Home Office 2000)

4.Do you feel it is irrelevant how a street looks, and more so the clientele habitant there which makes residential areas undesirable?

The residential area doesn’t determine how nice the residents are and ‘visa versa’, however, stereotypes of certain areas does create stigma for those who reside. The stigma may in fact influence criminality as once an area is ‘labelled’ as undesirable, the area almost internalises such labels and acts in a way that society expects them to act.

5.What is your opinion of the ‘Broken Window Effect’? Is this theory accurate, or is behaviour down to the individual/groups nurtured culture?

From a positivist perspective the ‘Broken windows thesis’ is accurate as criminal activity only occurs when the individual believes that they can get away with it. According to Messerschmitt (1982) anybody who has the opportunity to commit a crime will if the deterrence isn’t harsh enough. The newest movement which involves the ‘Broken windows thesis is the ‘third way movement’. New Labour believes that by ‘rejuvenating’ the community, crime will decrease as society no longer has influences of criminality that was synonymous with the previous ‘run down community’.


Disclaimer
I fully understand that the information I have provided is to be used solely in an investigation for the Experimentation & Feasibility module of MA Future design. Any information provided will be used only by Paul Milburn of the University of Teesside and the privacy policy and Data Protection Act 1986 is in situ to protect my identity.

Signed ………………………………………. (Adam Hussain)
Signed ………………………………………. (Abigail Read)
THANK YOU for your time and assistance in this investigation.