Consequences of crime reduction from improving physical environment

• Main Author: Chanathit Kaewumporn
• Other Authors: Suriyapong Watanasak
• Language: English
• Published: Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center 2023
• Subjects: Crime.; Crime prevention.; Crime > Sociological aspects.; Environmental psychology
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/89430
• Institution: Mahidol University

This study aims to revisit an ecological approach to crime prevention. This approach examines the improvement of the deteriorated physical environment in a dense urban community by means of community participation as an environmental program. This is in order to reduce elements of crime, where both offenders and victims of crime play a role in its occurrence. Through quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study examines and evaluates community members' perceptions of the environmental program and their changes in behavior towards crime, so as to reduce crime in the community. Through environmental and social networking, the environmental rehabilitation program was gradually adopted by the community by reorganizing physical settings. The research method used was Structural Equation Modeling (S.E.M), computed using the Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) software, Version 6. Modeling was conducted on three groups in community: 1) Neutral Group (no program entry), 2) Selected Group (complete program entry) and 3) Test Group (moderate program entry). Each group was divided in two subgroups (separated by two time periods), giving a total of six model comparisons and 416 informants. The most perfect model was then selected for analysis through its moment structure in between five latent variables and sixteen observed variables. The results indicated that people in the selected group perceived the program to be constructive, as indicated by a change in the model structure with a standardized regression weight of 0.681 ± 0.01(total effect 0.681). Furthermore, it was found that an increase in positive behavioral traits of offenders and victims can increase crime reduction elements in two dimensions: conscientious (enhancing attentiveness) at 0.915 ± 0.01(total effect 0.734); community cohesion (building relationships) at 1.093 ± 0.01 (total effect 1.083), which led to a self-defense mechanism (reducing victims of crime) with a correlation coefficient of 0.978 ± 0.01(total effect 0.545). This implies that crime reduction elements in a dense urban community can increase if a community incorporates environmental programs into its structure. The outcome of this study (from scenario findings in the Selected Group) is a model which proposes a new tactical approach to crime reduction. The approach starts with people's basic instincts and motivations when confronted with a stalemate situation. In this case, for community members in the Selected Group, the likelihood of being evicted provided pressure and the stimulus for character alteration, from being inward thinking to being outward thinking and seeking effective solutions to solve problems. Positive outward thinking, represented by collective behaviours and actions, can also generate continuous positive consequences, such as the birth of natural leaders, more effective communication, the creation of learning organizations, transparency, and democracy. In addition, positive outward thinking can increase crime reduction elements.