Bridgefield Neighborhood

Cut Down Crime, Not Trees: Greener Areas Reduce Crime Levels!

Oct 11, 2003

Article from Arbor Day Magazine, Cut Down Crime, Not Trees, Jan./Feb. 2003:

?“Some city officials believe that trees in urban areas can hide would-be criminals, thus increasing the likelihood of crime. But a series of scientific studies by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates that the opposite may be true. Residents living in ?‘greener?’ surrounding actually report lower levels of fear, fewer incivilities, and less violent behavior. There were also fewer crimes reported in these areas. Reasons why green spaces may inhibit crime include: vegetation alleviates mental fatigue, one of the precursors to violent behavior; green spaces are used more, deterring potential criminals through fear of being watched; and greenery promotes a sense of community, leading residents to feel safe and be more civil toward one another.?”