§ Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has as to the effect of vandal-proof high luminosity lighting on the crime rate associated with big inner city blocks of flats; and if he will call upon his crime prevention unit to recommend local authorities and private blocks to install high luminosity low consumption lighting on all balconies and passageways.
§ Mr. Giles ShawAlthough there is no conclusive research evidence, a recent report on the Department of the Environment's priority estates project concluded that improved estate lighting can deter crime and reduce tenants' fear of crime.
Last year's joint departmental circular on crime prevention issued to local authority chief executives and others, recognised the importance of improved public lighting in local preventive measures. At the request of the Home Office, the British Standards Institution is preparing a guide for architects and planners on the security of new dwellings, including estates. This is to be published later this year and is expected to include advice on lighting as a crime prevention measure. The Home Office crime prevention unit is in contact with the Institution of Public Lighting Engineers on this subject.