Urban planners ignore crime prevention, leaving cities vulnerable
Architects and city planners rarely factor crime prevention into their design decisions, despite their outsized influence over urban safety, according to a new Swedish study. The research reveals a critical gap between urban planners and crime experts that municipalities could exploit to reduce crime through better building and street design.
Originaltitel: What is the role of architects and urban planners in crime prevention?
<p>In this article, we discuss the role of urban planning professionals in situational crime prevention. We begin by examining their role as city “shapers” and the reasons behind their frequent neglect of crime-related factors in their decision-making process. We also explore why criminology tends to underestimate the influence of urban planning professionals on the urban environment, a factor crucial for effective crime prevention. To highlight the disconnection between urban planning and crime prevention, we present findings from a survey conducted with urban planners and safety experts in 290 Swedish municipalities. The article concludes with future research and practice recommendations, stressing the urgent need for improved communication and collaboration between urban shapers and environmental criminologists and a more comprehensive understanding from all parties involved.</p>