Preventing crime in public spaces: everyday guardianship & territoriality (2020-2024)

Safe public spaces are the cornerstone of liveable cities. Everyday users of public spaces are vital crime prevention guardians because they are frequently present in the absence of formal regulators like police. This project will investigate factors that enhance active guardianship and facilitate crime prevention in public spaces. It aims to generate new knowledge on the extent to which everyday users of public spaces develop a sense of territorial control leading to conscious monitoring of public spaces and intervention in social problems. The project aims to inform crime prevention strategies that facilitate active guardianship leading to less crime, reduced fear of crime and enhanced opportunities for pro-social use of public spaces.