The Effect of Lighting on Crime Counts

Steve A. Fotios, Chloe J. Robbins and Stephen Farrall
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Steve A. Fotios: School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
Chloe J. Robbins: School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
Stephen Farrall: Department of Criminology and Social Sciences, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-14

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.

Keywords: lighting; crime; robbery (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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