The seven signs of a safe estate

Estates that suffer a lot of crime often have elements of design in common that leave them vulnerable. But similarly, there are factors that make crime less likely, which can be designed into either a new-build or a renewal project at the planning stage.

The ODPM guide, Safer Places – the Planning System and Crime Prevention, offers practical measures for building in crime prevention and includes case studies where this approach has worked. Here are seven key considerations it identifies.

1. Private and public areas are separate and well-defined

The removal of problematic public space can be particularly effective in areas of social housing. This was demonstrated by a case study on the Cromer Street area in central London, part of the borough of Camden, where location had played a large part in the degree of crime.

Cromer Street comprises post-war, medium-rise flats next to a wider neighbourhood of older tenement blocks and terraced properties, post-war housing, shops and offices. Easy access into the blocks of flats, disused storage areas, unsupervised entrances and staircases provided opportunities for criminals, as well as being detrimental to the quality of housing.

The estate has been transformed into a thriving, well-functioning inner-city housing area and a major element in this has been the enclosure of the ground-floor space between blocks, with railings and gates allowing views in and out but preventing uncontrolled entry.

Entry to flats is by way of a two-stage entry system at the gate and at the door. There is a designated through route open to non-residents during daylight to avoid isolation; other areas have been dedicated to residents for play space, gardens or parking. Previously disused storage has been converted to community use, such as nurseries and day centres for older people.

Another example of clearly delineated private space is the Northview estate at Swanley in Kent. A sense of neighbourhood has been reinforced by colour-themed entrance portals with controlled access to its 10 blocks of three-storey housing. Gardens dedicated to ground-floor have been defined with railings and substantial wooden bollards stop vehicles encroaching on them.

2. Access is at the front of dwellings

Crime is more likely to occur if footpaths and alleyways allow access to the rear of homes. The larger the number of minor access points, the more susceptible the area is to crime. Developments should be planned with a good "movement framework" – obvious, direct routes in and out. On existing estates due for refurbishment, rear alleys and unused open spaces behind houses can be remodelled. For example, at the Royds district in Bradford, an area that in 1995 was one of the worst in the UK for burglaries, alleys were incorporated into existing back gardens.

3. Public space is overlooked by windows and balconies

If criminals can operate without fear of being seen, or are confident that no one will take action, they are more likely to commit offences. Well laid-out developments will create spaces within the view of residents and the more windows overlooking the street and other areas, such as children's play grounds, the better.

Communal parking areas will also be safer if they are directly overlooked. The car parks should be small and scattered throughout the development close to the owners' homes rather than all together in one area in a quiet corner.

Some redevelopments on low-rise housing can be remodelled to rail off parking areas directly in front of each property. This was another of the reasons behind a plummeting crime rate at the Royds development.

4. Lighting is plentiful and secure

Well-lit spaces are crucial in reducing the fear of crime and, in most cases, increasing legitimate activity after dark which reduces the opportunity for criminals to operate unseen.

To discourage vandalism, the design and placement of lighting fixtures and columns should be robust and secure. Lighting can sometimes also make life easier for those committing offences, so care is needed.

Places that are not in use after dark, such as play spaces and communal gardens, could be unlit, which will discourage the potential victims of crime from wandering into dangerous areas, as well as potential offenders. If necessary, security lighting could be used to alert others of unauthorised access.

5. Residents are involved

Encouraging residents to feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their surroundings can make an important contribution to crime prevention. This is helped by clarity about where public space ends and private, semi-private or communal space begins. Crime is more likely to occur if a place feels like it is not under the supervision of residents.

The Royds district in Bradford is a good example of getting residents involved.

Local people led the programme, with elected residents on the community association's board.

Spaces of unspecified purpose were given uses dictated by residents, such as community centres, playgrounds and small gardens. These aimed to create small and identifiable communities, promoting social cohesion and reinforcing neighbourliness. This means residents now have the confidence to challenge strangers and, if necessary, call the police.

In 1995, house burglaries in the area were seven times above the national average, running at 138 forced entries per 1000 households. Now, the police architectural liaison officer reports that there has not been a single forcible entry on any of the refurbished properties. The past five years have seen a fall of 69% in dwelling burglary and 58% in all burglary, including the properties that have not been refurbished.

6. Individual dwellings are secure

Making the individual dwelling itself as secure as possible is one of the most effective ways of preventing property crime. It also makes residents feel safer and in some cases could be made a condition of planning consent.

Security measures are easier and cheaper to do at the design and construction stage than to retro-fit. British standards are laid down for components such as doors, windows and locks.

Secured by Design, the reference model of the Association of Chief Police Officers' Crime Prevention Initiative, which made a strong contribution to the ODPM guide, has an ongoing testing and licensing programme.

7. Maintenance is not overlooked

Crime and antisocial behaviour are more common in places that are untidy or unattractive, giving the impression that crime is tolerated or that no one really cares how the area looks. In Cromer Street, the flats are now well tended and have little graffiti, which has made a big difference to the area.

The guide recommends that maintenance should be addressed at the outset of a development proposal so as to minimise running costs. Signs of neglect such as broken windows, abandoned vehicles or graffiti should be removed at the earliest opportunity. Cleaning and maintenance should include grass-cutting and long-term care and control of planting.

Resident organisations can help to instil a sense of pride in ownership while Neighbourhood Watch encourages individual responsibility.