A Well-Maintained Green Space In Urban Environment Can Lower Crime, Researchers Say

Health News: The presence of properly designed and maintained outdoor green space in urban environments reduce the frequency of violent crimes and promote neighborhoods that are safe and pleasant to live in.

Researchers at University of Virginia Health System investigated the relationship between nature and crime in urban areas. They considered more than 14,000 papers, which later narrowed down to 45 done in the United States. They also reviewed the effects of various forms of green space on crime and criminal behavior. These papers gave valuable insights into how access to nature can improve public safety.

Review of studies gave an evidence that greening interventions at the urban level reduces gun violence and violent crimes including murder, theft and assault, according to Hessam Sadatsafavi, PhD, of the School of Medicine.

The study findings published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, have important implications in developing community interventions that keep people safe, decrease crime and promote better quality of life. What’s more important is raising awareness about effectiveness and the cost effectiveness of these strategies. Also, there is a need for guidelines and adequate information as to how a community garden or small community park should be designed to enhance public safety.

To Know More, You May Refer To

Shepley, M., Sachs, N., Sadatsafavi, H., Fournier, C., & Peditto, K. (2019). The impact of green space on violent crime in urban environments: An evidence synthesis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(24), 5119. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245119