How street lighting can help reduce crime
Street lighting is a powerful tool for discouraging crime. Investing in sustainable LED technology is one way to help make our towns and cities safer, and smart street lighting makes people feel safer when out and about at all hours.
In this article we will talk about...
- Lighting and safety
- LED lighting and public safety
- How to use lighting to boost safety
- Street lighting solutions from Secom
Street lighting is a powerful tool for discouraging crime. Investing in sustainable LED technology is one way to help make our towns and cities safer, and smart street lighting makes people feel safer when out and about at all hours.
Lighting and safety
LED lighting can help victims identify their attackers and make it easier to pick up facial features on security cameras.
Context and evidence
The most reliable statistics on crime and lighting come from a study carried out in New York in 2016.
The study found a 36% reduction in street crime at night immediately following the installation of street lighting systems in a specific zone. The figure includes the overspill index, which measures whether crimes not committed in the lit area are committed in adjacent areas with less light.
When the overspill index is discounted, the figure rises to 60%. The study also measured a 4% reduction in all crime overall, including all crime and not just offences carried out at night. The study therefore highlights the important link between street lighting and crime.
This real-life scientific experiment comprised a controlled study rather than observational or theoretical research, and confirms the long-held belief that lighting reduces crime. In surveys conducted by the researchers, local residents were supportive of the new lighting.
Previous research into street lighting and public safety yielded confusing and inconclusive results. That said, an evaluation of these initial studies concluded that there was a 21% reduction in crime overall in zones with street lighting. What this means, in effect, is that early research into this matter found a correlation between street lighting and crime reduction.
LED lighting and public safety
The evidence supports the benefits of LED lighting for public safety.
Visibility
Light improves visibility in our streets. This has two clear implications: first, it is easier to make out people’s faces; second, it is easier to identify people on CCTV.
More reliable, and better guarantees
These devices offer excellent performance and durability and are highly resistant. What’s more, they can withstand adverse weather conditions and direct impacts, and have a high light output. These are devices you can rely on.
Increased safety
Several studies have confirmed that lighting in public spaces boosts safety. It reduces the number of muggings and thefts in homes, to name some examples.
How to use lighting to boost safety
When some simple guidelines are followed, lighting can play a key role in increasing public safety:
Regular replacement and maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance should be carried out on a regular basis. If lights fail, devices should be repaired and individual parts or the entire device replaced if necessary.
Ensure an acceptable field of vision
Luminaires should provide sufficient lighting and be equipped with the right optics to ensure good visibility free from glare. This ensures that pedestrians and vehicles can move around safely.
Resistant anti-vandalism luminaires
Lighting fixtures installed outdoors must be resistant – nowhere more so than zones with high levels of vandalism and crime. LED luminaires are manufactured using materials resistant not only to water and extreme temperatures but to direct impacts.
Street lighting solutions from Secom
Local councils in search of good street lighting systems to improve public safety can reach out to Secom for advice. The company has a range of street lighting options.
Ecodut K1 / K2
LED device ideal for street lighting. Does not cause light pollution.
RIPA / RAI BEN / REGAL / URA
LED urban lighting devices. Do not cause light pollution.
Optics compartment
Enables simple replacement of conventional lights with modern luminaires.
The evidence shows that street lighting improves public safety and reduces crime, even leading to optimised energy efficiency and performance when combined with smart public lighting systems.
