City centre management - Crime prevention

It is widely recognised that there is a link between design and crime and that careful attention to the planning of towns and to the design of estates and individual buildings can help reduce crime.

Government policy

Policy is set out in the Department of the Environment Circular 5/94 'Planning Out Crime' (available from the Stationary Office) which states that planning proposals can help reduce crime, particularly if they are considered as part of a strategic approach incorporating a wide range of measures, including, for example, estate or town centre management and CCTV.

The Circular accepts that crime prevention is a 'material' planning consideration which can legitimately be taken into account in preparing plans and deciding planning applications.

Further information

Links to further information on crime reduction can be found below:

• Crimereduction.co.uk - information and resources for people working to reduce crime in their local area
• Wolverhampton Community Safety Partnership - this organisation brings together a range of agencies to reduce crime and fear of crime in Wolverhampton

• The police have Crime Prevention Officers who will be able to advise on appropriate measures to combat crime.