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The Effect of Lighting on Crime Counts

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Steve A. Fotios & Chloe J. Robbins & Stephen Farrall, 2021. "The Effect of Lighting on Crime Counts," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:14:p:4099-:d:590047
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Phil Hubbard & Teela Sanders, 2003. "Making space for sex work: female street prostitution and the production of urban space," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(1), pages 75-89, March.
    5. Brandon C. Welsh & David P. Farrington, 2008. "Effects of Improved Street Lighting on Crime," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 4(1), pages 1-51.
    6. Uttley, Jim & Fotios, Steve & Lovelace, Robin, 2020. "Road lighting density and brightness linked with increased cycling rates after-dark," OSF Preprints cms3d, Center for Open Science.
    7. Jennifer L. Doleac & Nicholas J. Sanders, 2015. "Under the Cover of Darkness: How Ambient Light Influences Criminal Activity," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 97(5), pages 1093-1103, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tongyu Wang & Naoko Kaida & Kosuke Kaida, 2023. "Associations of Positive and Negative Perceptions of Outdoor Artificial Light at Night with Nighttime Outdoor Behaviors and Health: Self-Reported Data Analyses on Urban and Suburban Residents in Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-24, August.

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    Keywords

    lighting; crime; robbery;
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