Image and the crime city : investigating the influence of environmental design on crime rate : a case of Sham Shui Po district

Abstract

The influence of environmental design on crime rates is a topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Many studies have shown a clear correlation between the physical appearance of a city and its crime rate. It is argued that certain elements of urban design, such as the presence of graffiti, broken windows, and poorly lit streets, can contribute to an increase in criminal activity. One key aspect of this argument is the concept of "image." The image that a city projects can have a profound impact on its crime rate. When a city appears run-down and neglected, it sends a message to potential criminals that law enforcement may be lax or nonexistent. This perception can embolden criminals and lead to an increase in criminal activity. Furthermore, environmental design can also affect the behavior of individuals within a community. Some Studies have shown that clean and well-maintained public spaces promote positive social interactions and discourage criminal behavior. Conversely, areas with high levels of disorder tend to foster antisocial behavior and attract criminal elements. Critics argue that focusing solely on environmental design oversimplifies the complex issue of crime rates. They contend that factors such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality play more significant roles in determining crime rates than physical surroundings alone. While it is true that these socioeconomic factors are important considerations when addressing crime rates, it would be remiss to ignore the impact of environmental design. Creating safe and inviting urban environments through thoughtful planning and maintenance can contribute to reducing crime rates by deterring potential criminals and fostering positive community engagement. The proposed study will thus seek to address this premise by collecting and analyzing related data to verify or refute the influence of environmental design on crime rates. Thusly, the case of Sham Shui Po will be studied to understand how its image affects it crime rate. This district is selected due to its relatively higher crime rate compared to other districts in Hong Kong, an otherwise largely safe city. Due to Sham Shui Po’s comparatively higher crime rate (see background for statical data), the district is tagged “crime city”.