Diagnosing Crime and Disorder Problems in Public Places

This introductory chapter maps out the main types of crime-related problems occurring in public places, covering a wide spectrum from bag snatching to harassment to drug dealing to mass shootings. Physical disorderPhysical disorder is also given attention. Background factors include inequality, social disorganisationSocial disorganisation and government and management neglect. An opportunity perspective sets out the immediate influences acting on these problems. For example, routine activity theoryRoutine activity theory and the crime triangleThe crime triangle highlight how public places provide fertile hunting grounds for offenders, with large numbers of vulnerable victims and inadequate guardianship. Overall, the chapter shows that crime and disorderDisorder in public places are major social problems with serious adverse effects on people’s lives. Authorities need to be more responsive and step up to do all that can be done legally and ethically to create safe harmonious public spaces.