Research shows that even infrequent neighbourhood catch ups can make a difference to crime rates. This is because get-togethers result in neighbours knowing each other. They may not always be close friends, but social interactions make them more likely to look out for one another
People who know each other are more likely to work together to solve common problems. Communities that have had success engaging residents in local crime prevention tend to share a collective sense of achievement and effectiveness. According to research, communities that have successfully dealt with local issues grow more trusting and cohesive.
Areas with greater rates of participation in local clubs and committees tend to have lower rates of crime. This is because the networks and connections created through these formal organisations extend throughout the local community resulting in people sharing information and having more concern for what is taking place beyond their own front fence.
There is evidence that social connection reduces community crime in several ways. Members of connected communities may pay more attention to their local area, resulting in crime detection. Activities focused on improving the neighbourhood, such as greening programs, send the message that people care for the neighbourhood and are looking out for it. Connected communities may promote being crime free as the norm, leading to less crime being committed by members.
What types of crime do connected communities reduce?
Research has shown that having a connected community can reduce home burglaries, motor vehicle thefts and robberies (taking property from a person through force or threat of force).
What types of communities are connected?
Connected communities tend to be made up of people who believe in their community, feel attached to it and have trust in members. These types of people are more likely to be involved in community activities that bring people together, potentially resulting in reduced crime.
What types of activities bring neighbours together?
Some examples of activities that can bring neighbours together to create a connected community include:
Local clubs and committees with active memberships can also bring neighbourhoods together to help create connected communities with lower crime levels.
Example of social connectedness reducing crime
A program in the Australian Capital Territory sought to reduce crime in a public housing area where there were high numbers of residents with experience of the criminal justice system. Not-for-profit organisation Reclink Australia provided community engagement opportunities to residents including community garden beds, training workshops, neighbourhood chats and art programs. Evaluation found that proactively taking measures to strengthen the community resulted in a 50% reduction in violent crime and a 60% reduction in property crime.
For more information, visit www.aic.gov.au/publications/rr/rr6.