Crimes and Lighting

Lighting is often assumed to reduce crime without question. According to the director Ian Cheney, “ there is no controversy over whether more lights lead to less crime, but there is agreement that light seems to make people feel safer, almost like it’s built into our genes to move closer to the campfire or to the brightest city.

I agree, with the statement of us feeling safer a well-lit place. But,I am doubtful that people are attracted to well-lit cities for safety from burglars. People due tend to believe they are much safer when their environment is lighten. This is why you find many people have motion lights in their yard, they feel that it scares off their predator, or you tend t see neighborhoods with more lights. As someone takes a stroll late night in the park, they get the sense that they cannot become a victim because their surroundings are well lit. People believe that criminals are not bold enough to commit crimes a well-lit environment. I feel that this mentality, is why people are scared of the dark.

As a woman , I hate being in darkness, because I feel that in the dark you are vulnerable. Your vision is partial when surrounded by darkness. Anything can happen in the dark, kidnapped, kill, robbed, and much more. If someone is going to commit a crime it will be better to do so in the dark. But, by having a well-lit environment these events are likely to be prevented.

As humans we have grown to the comfort and security light has to bring. So I can see why people would believe more light leads to less crimes. I personally do not believe light reduces crime, nor do I believe it increases crimes, but then again others state otherwise.

See, lighting has a its pros and cons when viewed closely. For example, street lighting could prevent crime by improving visibility and so increasing perceived risk and also by encouraging public street usage which intensifies natural surveillance . Lighting can highlight potential targets, and even escape routes - in short, light can help criminals be quick and quiet. Lighting can help criminals see what they are doing, minimizing any risk to themselves. So by having it in our heads that the light actually protects us from criminals , actually makes us potential victims.

When reading the quote you get the sense of Cheney saying it is a tendency to seek light, all because it gives the sense of security. Light stands as a guided path for us, and for us, it is our need to follow this guided path.