Broken Windows Theory

After Rudolf Giuliani was elected mayor of NEW YORK CITY in 1993, he introduced a “zero tolerance” and “quality of life” edict.  This was an interlocking set of reforms, directing the NYPD to enforce laws against subway fare evasion, public drinking, urination and “squeegee men” who’d been wiping windshields of stopped cars and demanding payment.  Petty crime rates fell suddenly and significantly, and continued to drop for the next 10 years.
Scientists from the University of GRONINGEN in the Netherlands conducted a series of experiments to determine if existing disorder – broken windows, litter, graffiti – increased the incidence of crime such as stealing, littering or other acts of anti-social behaviour.  One location was clean and orderly.  In another, the environment looked as if no one cared – windows were broken, graffiti placed on walls, etc.  Researchers monitored the locations, and concluded that “graffiti and littering can indeed encourage other forms of disorder, such as stealing.”  Many consider this Dutch study to be the best confirmation of the BROKEN WINDOWS THEORY to date.

Article from: Toronto Savvy