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.

Knowledge Development Trajectories of Crime Prevention Domain: An Academic Study Based on Citation and Main Path Analysis

“…He et al [ 63 ] analyzed factors affecting the safety of traditional settlements and revealed that safety is spiritual, physical, and behavioral. Kim and Park [ 64 ] investigated three groups’ awareness of wall removal projects. The first group consisted of burglars stationed at houses without walls, the second group consisted of residents who were stationed at houses with walls, and the third group consisted of residents who were stationed at houses without walls.…”