The controversial theory that social and physical disorder is a cause of neighborhood crime has been successfully demonstrated with a series of six experiments.
A recent series of experiments in the Netherlands has shown some dramatic evidence in favor of the so-called broken windows theory. This theory predicts that neighborhood social and physical incivilities will incite people to engage in criminal behaviors. Examples of incivilities include litter, graffiti, loitering, and public intoxication. One experiment gave passers by the opportunity to steal a €5 note from an open mailbox. The portion of people who decided to pocket the money doubled when the area was littered with trash or covered in graffiti. The results of this study are compelling evidence that city governments should respond to signs of physical disorder early.
Thanks to Nick Helmholdt
FULL STORY: The "Broken Windows" Theory of Crime is Correct
Portland Lowers Penalties for Fare Evasion
Fines will be waived for low-income riders, among other changes aimed at bringing "fairness and equity" to TriMet's enforcement system.
Study: Nonprofits, Ordinary Citizens Played Major Role in Crime Decline
As many wonder whether the nation's multi-decade crime decline will continue, research suggests that community groups and local nonprofits have played a larger role in that story than they're given credit for.
Correlating Driving Misbehavior with Crime
Is there a correlation between running red lights and more violent crime like robberies and homicide? Gabe Klein, Chicago's distinguished outgoing transportation commissioner, thinks so. It's been dubbed "the broken windows effect."
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
