Does criminal activity thrive more in a dark city instead of a well lit one?”
Lighting is often assumed to reduce crime without question. However, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that lights can actually lead to an increase in crime. As inefficient and excessive lighting is often installed in the premise of reducing crime, here we review the very latest research into the subject.\ CfDS is a campaign for quality lighting. The Campaign acknowledges the need for lights at night, and we do not suggest switching off any necessary, unobtrusive light. What CfDS campaigns against is the misuse of lighting. Lights should be no brighter than needed, and they should only illuminate the area needed to be lit for the time necessary – not neighbouring areas and the night sky. If street lighting is present, it should be just that: illuminating only the street, and not shining into people’s homes without their permission, or above the horizontal. How lighting can aid crime * Most crime, especially domestic break-ins, occur in daylight, proving that light can aid
