Edmonton in new anti-crime initiative

A new anti-crime initiative is being launched in Edmonton in the borough of Enfield.

Enfield Council is to concentrate on an area known as 'Shank Town' because of its high crime rate using what is known as the Broken Window Theory, reports the Evening Standard.

The theory, first adopted by New York police chief Bill Bratton, held that crime was more likely to occur if an area was allowed to become dilapidated, with one broken window left unrepaired prompting further vandalism and other crime as it was seen to be tolerated.

Backed by mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudi Guiliani in the 1990s and 2000s, this policy involved taking a zero-tolerance approach towards petty crime in order to stop more serious crime, policy that was highly successful.

Enfield is following this lead by cleaning up litter, graffiti and vandalism in the district, with cabinet member for the environment Terry Neville telling the paper: "Since New York got tough on grime crime, serious crime dramatically fell and the city has become much safer. It's important for people to understand that clean streets mean safe streets."

While the new policy may help lower crime in Enfield, the whole of London may experience new approaches towards crime soon as Sir Ian Blair is replaced as head of the Metropolitan Police.

Sir Ian resigned yesterday after a meeting with Mayor Boris Johnson as he did not have the new incumbent's backing.

Published 3rd October, 2008

© 2008 Estates IT Limited