Awareness of crime prevention effects associated with a wall removal project in Seoul

Abstract

This study investigated Groups' awareness of how wall removal affects crime prevention. Group 1 comprised of burglars, Group 2 of non-residents who have not removed walls, and Group 3 of residents who have removed walls and are living in wall removal project areas. First, we examine differences in awareness between Groups 1 and 2 regarding ease of crime in relation to the presence or absence of a wall. Second, we examined the awareness levels of Groups 1 and 2 in relation to important factors considered by intruders when committing a burglary. Finally, we examined how wall removal reduces the fear of crime in Groups 2 and 3. Group 1 believed a house with a wall was an easier target for crime, but Group 2, comprised of residents who did not perform wall removal, had contrary opinions. Group 2 believed that wall removal did not reduce the fear of crime, unlike Group 3. These results indicate that Group 2 has negative perceptions of wall removal in the context of crime prevention, which stems from the common belief that a wall will protect a house from outside threats. Therefore, changes in mindset are needed to create safe environments in detached housing areas.