HC Deb 26 June 1984 vol 62 cc377-8W
Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has as to the correlation between reduced levels of public lighting at night and the level of mugging, burglaries, vandalism, and other petty crimes.

Mr. Hurd

There is no conclusive evidence of such a correlation from research and there are severe practical difficulties in carrying out studies to determine whether there is one. However, the increase in the number of crimes reported during periods of reduced street lighting provides some support for the view that good lighting in vulnerable areas helps to prevent crime. It certainly reduces the fear of crime.