edenmore community safety assessment shopping centre pdf

Edenmore Community Development Project

Community Safety Assessment

Edenmore Shopping Centre

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Background The Edenmore Community Development Project is a local initiative funded

by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA) as

part of its nationwide strategy of using a Community Development Model

for improving the Social, Economic and Environmental conditions of

marginalised communities experiencing high levels of deprivation.

This Program provides financial assistance to fund community

development projects in disadvantaged areas. It also provides support for

self-help work in specific target groups that experience disadvantage -

disadvantaged women and men, lone parents, Travellers, etc. - in order to

help them articulate their point of view and participate in a process of

personal and community development. The Program is included in the

National Development Plan as a sub-measure in the social inclusion

measures in the Regional Operational Programs.1

Edenmore CDP is involved in a range of initiatives that seek to ensure

the policy and strategy objectives of the Department are met, in

conjunction with their own local area plan. Two such initiatives are the

local Community Safety Group and the Edenmore Business Association. As

part of our commitment to supporting these groups Edenmore CDP offered to

carry out an extensive Community Safety2 Assessment of the Edenmore

Shopping Area. The purpose of the Assessment is to provide a

comprehensive outline of those areas which are impacted by crime, anti-

social behavior and disorder. It informs us of the concerns that people

are voicing and the experiences they have had. It enables clearer

patterns of behavior to emerge and identifies those areas that should be

of highest concern to those tasked with tackling these issues. The

Assessment also provides recommendations on how these issues may be

addressed, drawing upon established Good Practice, academic research and

1 http://www.pobail.ie/en/CommunityLocalDevelopmentProgrammes/ 2 "The term 'community safety' is seen as having both situational and social aspects, as well as being concerned with people, communities and organisations, including families, victims, and risk groups as well as attempting to reduce particular types of crime and the fear of crime. Community Safety should be seen as the legitimate concern of all in the local community.” Source: Safer Communities, Home Office 1991.

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the experiences of those agencies involved in Crime Prevention and Crime

Reduction.

The Assessment process itself involves several

key elements:

A. Repeat Victimisation Assessment3

Past victimisation predicts future victimisation and is, therefore,

preventable. A growing body of evidence shows that certain people and

places suffer repeated incidents of crime. This element of the

assessment identifies repeat patterns.

B. Residents Survey

Gathering information about the experiences of people living in areas

experiencing crime, anti-social behaviour and disorder is vital to

understanding the situation and any potential solutions. Residents

Surveys are tailored to the circumstances under assessment but are

underpinned by several key elements.

C. Built Design Assessment

The practice of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

(CPTED), or the more commonly used Secured by Design principles,

emerged in the 1960s with Jane Jacob’s The Death and Life of Great

American Cities (1961) and Elizabeth Woods Social Aspects of Housing

in Urban Development (1967). Jacob’s book was the first work to

suggest that the ‘street-life’ of a community and its design could

reduce the opportunities for crime. Drawing on established approaches

to looking at the built environment under assessment, it will be

3 http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/toolkits/rv00.htm

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possible to identify areas of concern and make recommendations. In

particular the work of C. Ray Jeffrey’s4 Crime Prevention Through

Environmental Design (1971) and Oscar Newman’s Defensible Space

(1972) stand out.

D. Use of Official Statistics

Gathering information that has been collated by those officially

responsible is of significant use to those looking at crime and anti-

social behaviour issues. While the caution that accompanies the use

of official statistics has long been identified5 their obvious benefit

and use is more readily identifiable. For the purposes of this

assessment, the information we will be drawing upon will be that

collected by the Central Statistics Office and Garda Síochána , where

relevant.

E. Walk-through Checklist

Assessing some of the key locations around the Shopping Centre area

will be done using a Walk-through Checklist. This tool identifies

some of the immediate responses that people have to their

surroundings and concentrates on the visual and built environments

contributions to feelings of safety. The Walk-through was carried out

be several volunteers at different times and in various locations.

The tool also enables us to quickly identify areas that may need to

be prioritised when looking at Community Safety within a specific

area.

4 http://www.cpted.net/ 5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistics#Misuse

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Business Repeat Victimisation Survey

Within the Edenmore Shopping Centre area there were 26 premises that

were potential respondents to this section of the survey. 2 of these

were office based premises without commercial interest while the

remainder were commercial premises offering a range of goods and

services.

The Survey Questions asked of each premise can be found in the

Appendix. Surveys were carried out by CDP staff and volunteers or

were left with the business to complete and return. Of the 26

premises 19 were surveyed, representing a 73% response rate. A list

of all those who responded is located in the Appendix.

Summary of key findings from the RVA are outlined below:

• Drug dealing, Graffiti and Substance abuse are seen as the three main problems affecting the Edenmore Shopping Centre area.

• Weekends are the most problematic times for businesses.

• Festive periods and school holidays see more instances of

crime and anti-social behaviour.

• Most business owners agree that criminal offences are being committed.

• Overall businesses are unaware of community organisations or residents associations that may be able to help tackle issues of crime or ASB, while little collective action has been taken by local business to tackle these issues.

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A more detailed presentation of the findings is as follows:

1. What are the main crime and ASB problems that have been identified /

experienced by your commercial business?

Summary of main types of crime and ASB being experienced in the area:

1. Graffiti & Drug Dealing 85%

2. Substance Abuse 63%

3. Harassment of Customers/Passers By, Underage Drinking 57%

4. Vandalism to Property or Goods 52%

5. Threatening Behaviour 42%

6. Joyriding, Theft, Vehicle Crime 37%

7. Noise Nuisance 2%

8. Abandoned Vehicles 6%

9. Racial Abuse 0%

10. Homophobic Abuse 5%

2. How long have these issues been presenting themselves?

The majority of respondents (80%) feel that these problems have been

presenting themselves for years. This also reflects the fact that the

majority of respondents have been operating in the shopping area for more

than 10 years (63%).

3. In what locations are these problems occurring?

These problems occur throughout the entire location, with respondents

referring to areas such as the main thoroughfare through the centre,

outside the public houses, the area close to the school and the areas

directly visible to shop owners outside of their own premises.

4. On what days are these problems occurring?

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Incidents of crime or ASB in the main occur at weekends and during the

night, although incidents are not confined to these times with many

respondents commenting that incidents can occur at any time of the day or

week.

5. Do the same problems present all year round or do noticeable changes

occur at different times, i.e. school holidays, Halloween, etc?

For respondents the problems appear to persist all year round although

they also report that things do get noticeably worse around festive

periods such as Halloween and Christmas, while school holidays were also

identified as being problematic. Respondents commented that during

holiday times more ‘rowdy behaviour’, ‘more arson’ and ‘public drinking’

could be observed during these times.

6. How many people are involved in this behaviour/issue?

&

7. What are the ages involved?

Taken together incidents seem to occur involving small groups of people

which can range widely in age from 10 to 40 and they can be seen

congregating around the business area regularly.

8. Are there offences being committed?

80% of respondents feel that there are criminal offences being committed,

and yet the same percentage of people answered ‘no’ to question 9.

9. Do you know if anyone has ever been charged with an offence as a

result of behaviour directed at your premises/staff?

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80% of respondents either don’t know or believe that people generally are

not charged for criminal offences. Only three shop owners were aware of

any legal proceedings/prosecutions being carried out for offences.

10. Have young people/offenders ever been approached by

Residents/Community about their behaviour? What was the outcome if

they were?

&

11. Have the parents/guardians of any young people been approached about

their behaviour? If they were what was the outcome?

In the main business owners have not approached young people/offenders

and they don’t know or are not aware of community or resident

associations approaching young people/offenders. In general

parents/guardians have not been approached over young people’s behaviour.

In the few instances that they were, shop owners were met with either

indifference or a lack of support from parents/guardians. In some cases

there was even abuse directed at some of the owners.

12. Do you know of any specific measures that have been used to address

some of the issues you are experiencing?

There were a range of responses to this question. Three business owners

reported taking individual action against offenders which included the

barring of certain troublesome individuals from their premises, speaking

directly to those involved and talking to the Gardai. Other shop owners

commented on a collective approach including business association

meetings and Community Safety Group meetings. 57% reported that they did

not know of any specific measures being taken.

13. What specific actions have been taken by the police in addressing

some of these issues you are experiencing?

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42% of businesses have noticed an increased Garda presence through

Community Policing Team patrols in the area over recent months. This has

been welcomed by those who have noticed this, although some expressed

concerns about the timings of these patrols.

14. Do you know of any Residents/Community Groups in the area that may

be able to help in addressing some of these issues?

Three respondents (15%) were aware of community/resident groups that may

be able to help with these issues. In general local businesses are

unaware of any groups that may be able to help to tackle this situation.

15. What is the overall effect of these issues on your business and the

community/area?

It is having a direct impact on businesses in the area through losses in

revenue and sales and in the case of one respondent the extra expense of

hiring security for their premises. Many respondents have described the

shopping centre as turning into a slum or ghetto and that at night it has

become a no-go area. Fear and intimidation are the main causes of this

and it has had a detrimental effect on business. All in all this does not

create a favourable atmosphere for business nor is it thought to be

especially conducive to creating a community spirit, particularly for new

businesses that have opened or for people who are newly resident in

Edenmore.

Length of time that businesses have been in operation in the area.

• Less than 6 months: 0

• 6-12 Months: 1

• 1-3 Years: 5

• 5-10 Years: 1

• 10+ Years 12

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List of owners and renters:

Owners: 5

Renting: 13

Other Comments from respondents:

“The area needs a much more robust approach to dealing with these

issues and a more concrete management effort from all concerned”.

“I have noticed a greater Garda presence lately”.

“McHugh’s Group do not care about the place as the biggest landlord”.

“Drug dealing is the biggest problem. Things have gone quiet in

recent times as a result of intimidation and fear of coming into the

area. McHugh Group does very little”.

“Access in and out of the shopping centre provides opportunities for

people to avoid the Gardai. Local security guard, local person? Space

is built in a way that attracts problems”.

“The names of the people in the shopping centre should be given to

the police. It is the same people all the time”.

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Residents Survey

Edenmore Shopping Centre is located within the heart of a residential

housing area and covers 1.4 hectares. The Shopping Centre itself is

essentially a two storey complex. The environs of the Shopping Centre

area are generally of a low visual quality. This housing area is a

mix of traditional Social Housing provided by Dublin City Council and

Privately Owned/Rented. There has been a recent increase in

speculative development on the former sites of some Dublin City

Council properties that have large corner gardens. These developments

have been apartment style housing within the Private Owned/Rented

sector. The Shopping Centre itself is also comprised of 26 flats

above the main commercial premises. The Assessment carried out a

sample survey of those residents living within the Shopping Centre

complex. The purpose of this element was to identify the crime and

anti-social behaviour concerns and experiences of those living

directly within this area.

The Survey was completed by 8 respondents and the findings are

outlined below.

1. How long have you lived in the Shopping Centre complex?

2 of the respondents had lived there for 6 months or less, 2 had

lived there for between 1-2 years and 4 had lived there for 3 years

or more. In 2 of those cases they have lived there for more than 5

years.

2. Do you live alone?

All of the respondents answered No.

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3. (and 4) Do you have any children/dependents below the age of 16

living with you?

88% of the respondents had children/dependents below the age of 16

and 75% of those have children below the age of 5.

5. How satisfied would you say you are living in the Edenmore Shopping

Complex?

2 of the respondents were Very Satisfied, 2 were Satisfied, 2 were

Fairly Dissatisfied and 2 were Very Dissatisfied.

6. What do you like most about living with the Edenmore Shopping Complex?

A range of answers were provided to this question and include:

“The neighbours”

“Good neighbours, good space for kids”

“Closeness to the shops and my mother”

“Closeness to shops and facilities – good neighbours”

“Good neighbours”

“Close to services”

“Close to everything- what my daughter and myself need”

“I have separate entrance from most other flats which gives me a

sense of security”

7. What do you dislike most about living in the Edenmore Shopping Complex?

A range of answers were provided to this question and include:

“From an anti-social behaviour point of view a lot of activity

occurs; you need to make a conscious decision to ignore/avoid it.

It’s occurring on a daily basis”

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“Gangs congregate on stairwells – though maybe not as bad a gang as

it used to be”

“Gangs on stairwells at night time and at weekends”

“People hanging about on the stairwells and drinking”

“Noise from the Young People hanging about – I don’t feel safe”

“The entrances – its a poor environment for the kids; people are

always hanging about on the stairwells”

“Gangs hanging around on the stairwells and at the shops. Mizzonis

(Pizza Shop) is open very late at the weekends”

“Gangs hanging about”

8. What activities or facilities would you like to see provided for

people specifically living within the Edenmore Shopping Complex?

The focus of the respondents to this question was around their

children and what facilities there could be made available for them.

Responses included:

“Something for the kids – like a play area”

“A door to be put back on the stairs – at the top and the bottom”

“A new Gate downstairs and a lift for people with prams”

“Better facilities for children”

“More activities for the kids – a space for the kids”

“Something for the kids is needed”

11. Over the last 18 months, have you or any people living with you

experienced any of the following situations which have caused you

excessive worry or stress?

Many of the respondents chose not to answer this and felt it was

information they were not uncomfortable providing. It was important

for them to understand that the significance of the question was in

relation to any crime and anti-social behaviour that was occurring

within their living area and the impacts that this may be having on

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the categories listed below. Those that chose to respond indicated

the following:

Tick if yes Unemployment

Housing Problems

Financial Problems

Problems caused by neighbours

Not feeling safe w here you live

Problems w ithin your ow n family

Harassment from others

Excessive noise w here you live

Problems w ith your children

Loneliness and/or isolation

Work-related Problems

Yours or some-one else’s Health Problems

We can see that the areas impacted upon most significantly are:

Excessive Noise

Housing Problems

Financial Problems, Not Feeling Safe and Health Related Problems

10. How safe do you feel walking alone in this area after dark?

4 of the respondents feel Fairly Safe, 3 felt Fairly Unsafe and one

felt Very Unsafe.

11. How satisfied are you with the way the area is policed?

1 respondent was Very Satisfied, 1 was Fairly Satisfied, 2 were

Satisfied and 4 were Fairly Dissatisfied and Very Dissatisfied.

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12. How satisfied are you with the way the area is managed by the

owners?

2 respondents were Very Satisfied, 1 was Fairly Satisfied, 2 were

Satisfied, 2 were Fairly Dissatisfied and 1 was Very Dissatisfied.

13. What changes could be made to make policing and managing the

Edenmore Shopping area safer for people who live here?

There were a range of responses which included:

“Have there presence seen more at certain times”

“Looking at access to the area – meetings were previously held but

nothing happened – this needs to be addressed”

“Stop the gangs hanging around”

“Improve the access on the stairwells”

“Teenagers should be removed from the area – stop them hanging

around and drinking. There should be more for them to do in the

area”

“Security – particularly at night. Entrances and stairwells need to

be addressed”

“Stop the gangs hanging around, drinking and kicking footballs”

“There’s nothing you can do except complain to the police – more

CCTV linked directly to the Emergency Services”

“Bring in people from outside Edenmore to deal with the issue”

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14. Have you experienced any of the following as a result of living within the Edenmore Shopping Complex area?

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Noisy neighbours/parties

Graffiti and vandalism to buildings

Damage to entries

Damage to cars

Theft of/from cars

People hanging about in groups

Drunk people causing problems

Afraid to come in/out of home

Litter and rubbish dumping

Litter and rubbish not collected

Substance abuse/misuse

Drug dealing

Burglary

Prostitution

Arson

Serious Problem

Fairly Serious

Not Serious

Doesn’t Occur

We can see that the most serious experiences are: Graffiti & Vandalism to

Buildings, Damage to the entries, People Hanging about in Groups, Drunk

People causing Problems, Afraid to come in/out of Home, Drug Dealing and

Arson.

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15. Are you worried about any of the following happening to you, your

family, neighbours or visitors?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%B

ein

g a

ssaulted in

the a

rea

Pro

pert

y B

urg

led

Bein

g

hara

ssed/intim

idate

d

by p

eople

hangin

g

aro

und

Bein

g

mugged/r

obbed

Pro

pert

y b

ehin

d

dam

aged/v

andalised

People

try

ing t

o s

ell

dru

gs

Not Worried

Fairly Worried

Very Worried

From this we can see that significant numbers of people are either Fairly

Worried or Very Worried about Being Assaulted in the Area, Being

Harassed/Intimidated by People Hanging Around, Being Mugged/Robbed,

Property Being Damaged/Vandalised and People trying to Sell Drugs.

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When asked which of the following the respondents felt were most

important to them in improving the Shopping Centre area in ascending

order of importance, with 1 being most important and 10 being least

important, the following emerged:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Improved Security (CCTV/Monitoring)

Better Lighting

Improved Security Access

Cleaning and Maintaining the area

More businesses staying open later

More Business closing earlier

Better Transport Facilities

More Police Patrols

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

Improved Communal Areas for residents

From this we can see that the most important improvements and/or actions

that the residents think should be taken are:

Improved Security (CCTV Monitoring)

Improved Security Access

More Police Patrols

16. Are you a member of any Community Groups, Residents Associations

or Clubs?

100% of all the respondents were not members of any Community

Groups, Residents Associations or Clubs. When asked if they would

like to be (Q.16) 65% said they would be interested, if they had

the time and knew more about them.

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19. When asked if they would like to see anything else done in the

area, the following responses were given:

“More CCTV monitoring in the area and more Police/Private Security”

“Knock down the flats and rebuild them with locks and doors and

gates”

“Needs to be painted up, cleaner environment, hanging baskets –

stairwells are disgusting”

“Access for people with buggies – there are lots of parents with

children”

“Conditions could be improved – I don’t ask management to do much

as it can take too long for them too respond”

“I’d like to receive my mail directly”

“Police patrols at evenings and weekends”

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Built Design Assessment

Newman6 identified 3 specific areas that affected the relationship

between crime and the design of an area. These are territoriality,

natural surveillance and image. While the assessment being carried out

was not related to an anticipated design/development the principles can

still be applied when we examine an existing site. These 3 principles

will underpin the built design assessment, with some contemporary

analysis in support.

The method for carrying out this element of the assessment was by

practically surveying the environment, recording what was observed via

photography and note-taking. An extensive archive of images was

subsequently created, some of which have been included here, primarily to

provide visual evidence. All the images archived can be made available

upon request.

Territoriality

Newman’s theory in Defensible Space assumes that people need to mark out

and defend their territory. Good design will encourage this process,

making it clear to people which space belongs to whom. Some will be

completely private, some shared with permissions and some public. Two

simple steps should be followed: firstly clear signage around and on

property, informing people of its status (ownership), how you want people

to behave and where you want them to go while on/around the property.

Secondly, ensure the property is well maintained and demonstrate that you

the owner cares for and manages the property effectively and that you are

observing those that don’t. Territoriality includes:

Defensible Space

Access

Maintenance

6 Defensible Space, 1972.

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Natural Surveillance

It is important for people to be able to casually observe their

environments, whether they are where they live, work or relax. Doing so

enables people to challenge those who either do not belong in the area or

who are not using the area for legitimate reasons. It is important to

note that people only feel that they are able to challenge others when

they have identified with a particular place that they have a territorial

instinct to protect. Natural surveillance includes:

Lighting & Cameras

Image and Environment

Places often experience increased levels of crime and anti-social

behaviour because they have an associated negative image. This may be

something inherited as part of an historical legacy or it may be rooted

in certain realities. Areas with high levels of crime and anti-social

behaviour will attract people who will commit further offences because

they have identified it as an area where the likelihood of being

challenged has been significantly reduced. This contributes to both

residents and businesses sense of a place having a ‘bad’ image. The

affect of this is that it encourages a sense that nothing can be done to

address these problems because they appear complex and entrenched.

Various characteristics can contribute to this. Image and environment

includes:

Graffiti

Criminal Damage and Vandalism

Defined Space

Views

Improvements/Positives

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Territoriality

1. Defensible Space

Pictures 1, 2 & 3: Side railings demonstrate good defensible space measures, preventing people from putting graffiti on the side of the building. Advertising boards should be discouraged as it may provide cover for someone to hide behind. Picture 2: Demonstrates measures that reduce the ability of someone accessing a private area. It tells someone you are not allowed in here. Picture 3: Excessive use of defensible space measures. Although use as a former bank explains this, its current use as a General Practice Surgery should not require such measures. The message is ‘stay away’.

Picture 4 & 5: Obvious defensible space measures are indicated by this perimeter wall and railings. This features in several areas around the Shopping Centre. However, never closing the gates leads to their use as a defensible space measure makes them redundant. They are intended to prevent access at certain times but are never used in that way. In Picture 5 the vertical poles demonstrate good use of defensible space measures in preventing vehicular access to the rear of the Shopping Centre. It does not prevent pedestrian access however, and gates on the other side of the Shopping Centre that never close means they are essentially obsolete.

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Defensible Space Identified Problems Recommendations

1. The main perimeter wall and railings, with gated access points do not serve as defensible space measures.

2. Access and movement between buildings is not prohibited by consistent and integrated defensible space measures.

3. The Health Centre demonstrates

excessive use of the defensible space principle with the current railings.

4. The areas around the Shopping Centre are not clearly defined. There is a clear lack of ownership and visual indicators that inform people of where they should and shouldn’t be.

1. Use the perimeter fence and gates as a way of controlling access in and out of the Shopping Centre area. The gates should be opened and locked at specific times that will facilitate all legitimate users of the space. A new system of access control in to the main area for residents needs to be urgently sought, with their input and agreement. Businesses that open late (fast food, etc) should be specifically located outside of the main Shopping centre thoroughfare.

2. Control access between buildings with improved or new defensible space measures, such as high railings or walls. Ensure access control measures do not prevent access for emergency services.

3. Remove the railings and create softer defensible space measures, such as shrubbery or change of space indicators such as different paving. If removal of the railings is not possible, soften them by using as climbing frame for plants, shrubbery, etc. Signage for the Health Centre should be clearly visible, sited on the outside of the railings.

4. Implement new and improved location of signage for the Shopping Centre. At all access points into the main Shopping Centre area there should be clear signage telling people where they are and what is in the area. There should be clear signs informing people of who owns the space, that it is being observed and that certain activities will not be permitted. Where CCTV

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monitoring is being carried out this should be made clear to people using the area. Signage that does not have authorisation or is inappropriate should be removed. Ensure that the locating of signage is relevant to its purpose. Implement colour schemes for different areas of the Shopping Centre that distinguish private areas from public areas. These measures encourage legitimate users to use the space by raising their confidence in good management of the area.

2. Access

Picture 1, 2, 3 & 4: Resident access points to their homes are unsecured and of extremely poor visual quality. There are no means of preventing anyone from gaining access to these spaces. There is no visual indicator to tell people that this space is for residents and legitimate service providers. This provides considerable explanation for the extent of the vandalism, criminal damage and poor maintenance of the area. There are significant accessibility problems for the residents living here.

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Picture 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10: There are widespread access points to and around the Shopping Centre area. The area has some measures in place to restrict some types of access and at certain points. However, these do not integrate across the whole site, which effectively means that while some points are inaccessible for certain types of access (vehicular and pedestrian) they can effectively be accessed at other points. In picture 5 & 9 we see measures to prevent vehicular access, but picture 6 demonstrates access at another point which leads to the same area. Picture 10 demonstrates defensible space measures to prevent access, but the same area is accessible at Picture 9, making it obsolete. They also provide shortcuts for pedestrians encourage non-legitimate users and lead into areas that are difficult to be naturally surveyed. In short, virtually any area within the Shopping Centre and where residents live can be accessed, either by foot or in a vehicle, at anytime of the day or night. The area is never secured to prevent access.

Picture 11 & 12: Demonstrates how some areas provide access to potential criminals and vandals. Picture 12 shows how the Health Centre roof is accessible using service boxes wrongly located and without defensible space measures.

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Access Identified Problems Recommendations

1. There is complete and unrestricted access to resident’s space and homes, irrespective of the time of day or night.

1. The access points for the residents need to be urgently addressed. Controlling and restricting access to the residents’ communal and private areas is essential to reducing vandalism, criminal damage, alcohol/drug misuse in stairwells and improving the living environment for the residents. Shared entrances should have locked doors, buzzers, intercoms or entry-phones made of strong, vandal-proof materials. They should also be easy enough for small children or people with disabilities to use. CCTV in shared entrances and stairwells should be installed. Hidden areas and blind corners should have mirrors and covered by effective lighting. Areas around the main entrances need to be distinguishable from public areas, so that people know they are entering an area controlled by residents. Time-lights/passives should be located in areas that encourage residents to feel safer. In problem areas such as the stairwells, these should be permanently lit, with white light in protected lighting units and controlled from units located away from the light. Ensure all residents’ porches/doors are adequately lit and that they inform management of when lights go out or become damaged / vandalised. Link all new initiatives and improvements to tenancy agreements, provide information to tenants about

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2. There is complete and

unrestricted access to commercial premises, irrespective of the time of day or night. This is particularly evident in the central shopping aisle and at the rear of commercial premises.

the role of the improved security measures and the overall improvements you expect them to make to residents’ environments and ensure that residents know how to use any new measures.

2. Access points around the commercial premises of the Shopping Centre need to be urgently addressed. Controlling and restricting access to the commercial premises is essential to reducing vandalism, criminal damage and alcohol/drug misuse. Access into these areas should be restricted with effective Access Control and defensible space measures. Use the perimeter fence and gates as a way of controlling access in and out of the Shopping Centre area, particularly at night. The gates should be opened and locked at specific times that will facilitate all legitimate users of the space. Businesses that open late (fast food, etc) should be intentionally located outside of the main Shopping centre thoroughfare. Improve existing defensible space measures. Control access between buildings with improved or new defensible space measures, such as high railings or walls. Ensure access control measures do not prevent access for emergency services. Businesses should be encouraged to install separate CCTV and defensible space measures for themselves, where possible. Providing advice and guidance on current recommendations should be offered to businesses in partnership

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with local Crime Prevention Officers.

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3. Maintenance

Picture 1: Poorly maintained Shopping Centre area with evidence of vandalism not cleaned up. In Picture 2 there is evidence of vacant commercial premises and boarded flats above. This provides a potential target for vandals and squatters.

Picture 2, 3 & 4: Poorly maintained access to residents’ homes, with graffiti not being cleaned up and a generally poor environment. The space also provides potential access and vandalism to residents’ electricity meters. These should be located away from general access and/or hidden away from view.

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Picture 5, 6, 7 & 8: Poorly maintained access to residents’ homes, with evidence of graffiti not being cleaned up and a generally poor environment. No door on access stairwell, providing un-prohibited access and a potential Health & Safety risk to small children playing in this area. The service provision for drying clothes is insufficient and is at risk from vandalism and/or theft; evidence of loose wiring, posing a serious Health & Safety risk. The communal/shared space is not well provisioned and there is little to distinguish one home from another. The area is visually poor.

Pictures 9, 10 & 11: Evidence of commercial premises not maintaining some of the areas to the rear. They also provide opportunities for vandalism and even arson, as evidenced in picture 11.

Pictures 12 and 13 demonstrate just how badly the areas can become at times. These pictures were taken by a local resident after a particularly difficult night. As entrances shared for access to homes, in an area where 75% of children are under 5 this is unacceptable.

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Maintenance Identified Problems Recommendations

1. The Shopping Centre area is very poorly maintained as a space aimed at legitimate Businesses, Residents and the Public. The overall management of the area is not effectively addressing the concerns facing businesses, the residents and the physical space/building itself. Poor management is likely to be contributing to some of the key issues facing the area. The appearance in many areas is poor (in some cases, such as stairwells to residents’ homes, it can only be described as shocking) and communicates a bad image of the place. There are poorly defined areas of responsibility and ownership which encourages non-legitimate users into the area. This leads to graffiti vandalism, criminal damage, appropriation of public and private space for illegal/anti-social activities, creates no-go areas and a poor image of the place.

1. The Shopping Centre space can only be effectively managed when user responsibilities have been identified and agreed. The primary business operator in McHugh Group needs to adopt a more robust and inclusive management strategy for the area. This strategy needs to incorporate the 3 significant stakeholders; the Businesses, the Residents and the service users (community/public). The strategy needs to outline who is responsible for what and ensure those responsibilities are met. McHugh Groups employment of one general Manager is severely inadequate in addressing these problems. Significantly improved human resourcing is recommended. Improve the overall maintenance of the area, with a particular emphasis on the Residents stairwells and communal living space, the central shopping area thoroughfare and individual business frontages/shutters.

2. Address the Health & Safety issues surrounding the exposed wiring on one of the main residents’ stairwells, as a matter of urgency. The general appearance of the stairwells and residents entrances needs to be improved. The smell of urine in one particular stairwell needs urgent attention.

3. Evaluate individual businesses maintenance of their immediate areas, both front and back. Ensure businesses are aware of their responsibilities for cleaning and maintaining their immediate areas, including shop frontage/shutters. More

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bins need to be provided throughout the Shopping Centre area to tackle the issue of litter. The current DCC bins are of a poor design, minimising the ease with which shoppers/public are able to use the bins.

4. Ensure the Management Group is connected to wider structures that can assist in addressing some of the issues, such as the Edenmore Community Safety Group, Community Policing Team and the Community Development Project. Meeting and liaising with external structures will assist in the types of response and the resources available to deal with the issues.

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Natural Surveillance

1. Security - Lighting & Cameras

Picture 1: Good evidence of surveillance systems around the Shopping Centre area, with protective cages to prevent vandalism. All lights should also be encased in a protective cage and anything that may potentially obstruct the light/views should be removed immediately. Pictures 2: Good use of lighting, sited high to reduce vandalism. All lights should be encased in a protective casing. Lights should not be sited to close to adjoining walls as this reduces their spread/coverage. Picture 3: Unprotected lighting in the residents areas, which puts then at risk of vandalism. Lights should also provide significant illumination around the area they are being used in. These lights do not provide sufficient illumination in this area.

Picture 4: Good use of surveillance around the Shopping Centre area, sited high and enclosed in a protective casing to prevent vandalism. Picture 5 demonstrates good use of lighting around the Shopping Centre area, raised high to prevent vandalism and providing good coverage both inside and outside of the perimeter area.

Security: Lighting and CCTV Identified Problems Recommendations

1. Not all cameras and lights are enclosed in a protective shell.

1. Ensure all cameras and lights are raised high enough to avoid damage/vandalism. Ensure all lights and cameras are enclosed in protective casings and anti-vandal dome fittings.

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2. The current CCTV coverage is not monitored by someone on a permanent basis. This lets people know that their movements are not viewed at all times. The CCTV coverage is only trained on areas within the Shopping Centre. There is no CCTV coverage in and around the residential areas.

3. While there is good general lighting coverage of the Shopping Centre area, there is some inconsistency in type.

4. In utilising enhanced security

measures such as lighting and CCTV it is also important that the area is not visually affected by looking like a fortress and leaking light into surrounding areas where it becomes a nuisance.

2. Consider dedicated monitoring of the CCTV. This may be done at particular times (such as evenings) if 24 hr monitoring is not feasible. Securing the Shopping Centre area at night would lead to reduced monitoring throughout the night. CCTV coverage at the residents access points, stairwells and in the immediate areas surrounding their front doors should be installed. Install always-on lighting in the entrances/stairwells to residents’ homes.

3. Ensure all lights within the area are of a consistent type and cover areas particularly vulnerable to non-legitimate use. Lights should be sited away from potential vandalism, should be of a high pressure sodium type, which compliments CCTV systems by increasing contrast and making identification of people easier.

4. Monitor and evaluate proper use of CCTV and lighting and take expert guidance on current advice/regulations (Garda advice).

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Image and Environment

1. Graffiti

The occurrence of graffiti around the shopping centre area is without doubt the most pressing visual concern. It has the most significant visual impact of anything else. Surveying the area demonstrated the extent of the problem. It is not restricted to certain areas or surfaces. It can be found almost anywhere within the Shopping Centre and at access points into the residents’ homes (particularly stairwells). It can also be found in the immediate areas where the residents live. Every available surface gets used, as these images show.

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A significant distinction is also evidenced by these pictures. The problem is not graffiti artists doing large scale ‘pieces’ of art work. The area is simply being tagged or ‘bombed’, with people simply putting their name (tag) anywhere they can get it. This is a practice largely discouraged by genuine graffiti artists and considered to be graffiti vandalism, rather than graffiti art. The images are only a very small selection of the ones recorded during the survey.

Graffiti Identified Problems Recommendations

1. Widespread graffiti across all areas of the Shopping Centre.

1. There are 3 suggested approaches to tackling this persistent problem. The first is a rapid response approach. This involves cleaning the graffiti as soon as it appears. This approach has been employed in some areas around the Shopping Centre

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recently, but with little overall impact. Also, the graffiti covers so many areas and surfaces that it would be an almost impossible task to tackle under a rapid response approach. Ensuring that each individual business cleans graffiti from their area is particularly important. Bins, lamp-posts and service boxes should be cleaned by the respective owners e.g. Dublin City Council, Eircom, etc and an effective system for reporting this needs to established. Recent funding to tackle graffiti, made available through Dublin City Council should be explored. A second approach would be to select specific areas of the Shopping Centre and give them over to graffiti artists to use for dedicated art pieces. This may also provide an opportunity for working with some of the local young people carrying out the tagging/bombing. A potential benefit in this approach is that it gives ownership to those involved and also identifies what is acceptable graffiti and what is unacceptable graffiti. A further approach is to prevent access to areas/surfaces that can be tagged/bombed. In many areas this may be possible if a focus on preventing access was adopted. This would be particularly relevant in areas that generally should not be accessible, such as stairwells, roofs, resident’s space, etc. Preventing access to the Shopping Centre at night would also reduce the opportunities to tag/bomb certain areas.

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2. Criminal Damage and Vandalism

Picture 1: Evidence of criminal damage/vandalism to commercial premises in the Shopping Centre area. Signs like these are particularly vulnerable to vandalism. In Picture 2 the rear yards of commercial premises have been subjected to vandalism and criminal damage. In this instance, we see evidence of forced entry. Un-prohibited access to the rear area enables people to reach this area. From Picture 3 there is evidence of criminal damage and vandalism to commercial premises around the Shopping Centre area.

Criminal Damage and Vandalism Identified Problems Recommendations

1. Vandalism and criminal damage are carried out on commercial premises and residents areas.

1. Prevent access to areas that are subjected to criminal damage and vandalism, reducing the vandals’ opportunities. Where criminal damage and/or vandalism occur ensure that it is fixed/replaced rapidly. Commercial premises should be encouraged to rectify where/when this occurs. Not addressing these issues results in repeat vandalism and an increased likelihood that more will vandalism will occur. Preventing access to the residents’ space is particularly important in preventing damage/vandalism. The recommendations made in other sections, such as Maintenance and Access will also impact greatly upon the incidences of criminal damage and vandalism.

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3. Space Definition

Picture 1 & 2: There are large areas around the Shopping Centre that do not tell people clearly what they are for or are not used for the purposes there were intended. Pictures 1 & 2 demonstrate how large parking areas are not utilised. Picture 2 also demonstrates the lack of definition as a rear entrance used for residents. There is no clearly defined space for resident parking or the general public.

Picture 3 & 4: The space in Picture 1 incorporates an access point to residents’ homes, a commercial premise (currently vacant) and a communal shopping area. There is an obvious lack of defining any of these uses. Nothing tells people what is here and what you can and can’t do in the area. With the exception of limited signage the area is very poorly defined and communicates a lack of ownership. An ambiguous space is often an insecure space, at risk from damage, vandalism and criminal activity.

Picture 5 & 6: Previous evidence of raised beds for plants/trees are still in place, but no longer used for this purpose. The feature has poor visual impact and evidence of graffiti communicates that it is no longer functioning as it should be. The communal space for residents in Picture 6 demonstrates confusion over what the space is for. There should be

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separate dedicated spaces that can be used in specific ways for residents.

Space Definition Identified Problems Recommendations

1. The area lacks clear definition of space and its intended use around the Shopping Centre area. The area does not communicate what spaces are Public and what areas are Private.

2. The area has low visual impact. Hard surfaces dominate and there are virtually no attempts to soften the uninviting perception this creates.

3. There is a lack of clear

signage, which defines ownership, informs people of the rules and regulations and helps people to move around the area. These spaces lack verbal cues on how they should be used, who it is for and who controls it.

1. Identify space hierarchies around the Shopping Centre area. These should be marked out differently to communicate that they are to be used differently. Private, public and semi-public space should be the 3 distinct hierarchies identified. These differences can be marked out visually by changes in texture (paving), colour and facilities. This will require a more detailed analysis of the space and the involvement of all the stakeholders using the space.

2. Soften hard areas with shrubbery, changes in texture/colour and installation of street furniture, such as communal seating areas, architectural lighting and planters.

3. Implement new and improved location of signage for the Shopping Centre. At all access points into the main Shopping Centre area there should be clear signage telling people where they are and what is in the area. There should be clear signs informing people of who owns the space, that it is being observed and that certain activities will not be permitted. Where CCTV monitoring is being carried out this should be made clear to people using the area. Signage that does not have authorisation or is inappropriate should be removed.

4. Install street furniture within the main shopping aisle, giving legitimate users the opportunity to remain in

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the area and deter non-legitimate users7. This also contributes to creating a visually attractive area.

4. Views

Picture 1 – 7: Depending on the direction people access the Shopping Centre area; this is what people first see.

7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_furniture http://www.townscape24.com/

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Picture 8 & 9: The pictures show the visual impact of the resident’s areas. There is significant communal space but it is not used well. It provides a hard surfaced area for the children who live here to play, but little else.

Views Identified Problems Recommendations

1. A central tool in creating defensible space relates to the image that a place generates. Whether this is a housing estate, a shopping centre or a school, people’s perceptions are significantly informed by the image of a place. If a place has a negative or bad image it may be more likely to experience crime and anti-social behaviour because people simply think they can get way with it. In the case of Repeat Victimisation, whether applied to a person or a place, once it has occurred it is more likely to occur again. This increases significantly as the incidents continue to occur.

1. Consider the image that people have of the immediate area and what this says about the place. Talk to local businesses and residents about what they think of the area and its impacts on the larger community. Find ways of improving the perception that people have of the area. Also think about the immediate visual responses that people have when they enter the area and the approach from the main arterial routes to it.

5. Improvements & Positive Features

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Picture 1, 2 & 3: Picture 1 demonstrates good commercial presence with the flower shop. Even at a distance it communicates to people that they are in a business/shopping area and the type of businesses there are. Utilising the street space more positively should be encouraged. Picture 2 and 3 shows how commercial premises can ensure their area is well maintained and reduce the potential for non-legitimate users to gain access to their premises and waste/products.

Pictures 4 & 5: Recent evidence of some attempts at improving the immediate Shopping Centre area; however, the scale and appropriateness is misguided. However, it demonstrates that there is a willingness on the part of some to take some action to improve the visual impact of the area.

Positive Features

Identified Problems Recommendations

1. The scale and appropriateness of some of the recent improvement attempts have been misguided and ill-informed.

1. There is a willingness on the part of the local Business Association and the local authority to address some of the problems. Adopting a more robust implementation plan would provide an opportunity to ensure initiatives are appropriate and well-informed. This will result in better use of resources, encourage involvement from other stakeholders and have greater impacts. Indicators for change should be identified and selected. This will enable any changes to be evidenced. Currently there are no indicators of change set out.

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Use of Official Statistics

In compiling this report there were several attempts made at accessing

Garda statistics useful to the assessment of the area, through both the

Crime Prevention Unit at Santry Station and in writing to the Garda

Research Unit, Garda College Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

No information in relation to official statistics was forthcoming from

either channel.

Walk-through Checklist

The Walkthrough checklist enables us to gather more information about a

specific location within the area under assessment. In large scale

assessments such as Edenmore Shopping Centre, there will be areas

experiencing greater or lesser problems related to crime and Anti-social

behavior. This tool allows us to identify those areas that may be of

greatest concern, what characteristics they have that make them different

and what we can learn from this. The ease with which the tool can be

applied also enables it to be used by people/volunteers not trained in

overall Community Safety Assessments. The consequence of this is that it

collects information from people based on their immediate assessment of a

places ability to make them feel safe or unsafe and takes the

recommendations of those most likely to use the area as a starting point.

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Map of locations for Walk-through Checklist, with details outlined below.

Location 1: Edenmore Shopping Centre, Central Aisle

This location was surveyed on the following times:

06/03/08 at 8.25pm

11/03/08 at 10.25am

25/03/08 at 3.00pm

An analysis of the findings informs us of the following:

The area falls into the Shopping Area & Other (mixed) categories,

encompassing a number of single storey flats above several of the retail

units.

The surveys found that their responses to the following ranged from:

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1. The area has a good bus service: Strongly Agree, Agree and Disagree

2. Car Parking is easy Around here: Agree, Strongly Agree & Agree

3. It is easy to find you way around here: Disagree, Strongly Agree &

Disagree

4. The area is well maintained: Strongly Disagree, Strongly Agree and

Strongly Disagree

Pedestrian routes around the area are Pavements & Pathways. 2 of the

three surveys found that the routes were well maintained/in good working

order.

How common are the following:

Graffiti: Common & Very Common

Advertising Billboards: Common

Groups of people hanging around: Common & No Evidence during survey.

Vandalism: Common & Very Common

Unoccupied/derelict buildings: Common

How do the following make you feel:

Graffiti: Unsafe

Advertising Billboards: Safe & No Opinion

Groups of people hanging around: Very Unsafe & Unsafe

Vandalism: Unsafe

Unoccupied/derelict buildings: Unsafe

Is the area well lit: Very Well through the main thoroughfare, with

Floodlights. The light colour is white, none of them appear to be

obstructed and the lighting makes the surveyor feel safer overall.

Visibility & Vision through the site is generally good, with people

visible at over 20 metres and their faces visible between 11-15 metres,

even at night. However, places there are several places where people can

hide, such as the recessed stairwells to the flats. Generally a person

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can see well along their route, but it is also highly predictable.

Removal of the fencing at either end of the route would also improve a

person’s ability to see their route.

The following act as potential hiding places, prevent some vision along

the route and may contribute to making someone feel unsafe:

Alleyways, walkways, recessed doors, Walls & Fences and some Parked

Vehicles at the end of the thoroughfares.

Predicting a person’s route through the Shopping Centre is Very Easy and

a person could disappear into their surroundings Very Easily.

The area was considered to be Quiet during all the surveying times and

generally contributed to the surveyor feeling Unsafe. Pedestrians,

Traffic and People in Buildings were never considered to be more than 16-

20 metres away, and in some cases as close as 5 metres from the surveyor.

During the evening the surveyors recorded that the only places that a

person could go to if they needed help was the Pizza Shop (Mizzoni) and

houses located close by. None of the surveyors knew if there was a

working telephone close by.

The surveyors noted that there are several CCTV cameras covering the area

and one sign informing people of their use. No Security or Police Patrols

were seen by the surveyors while it was being carried out. The area is

also well lit during the evening, contributing positively to an overall

feeling of safety.

The surveyors found that the overall appearance of the area was that it

was not well maintained and did not invite people in to use the area.

Location 2: Corner of Edenmore Park/Edenmore Avenue


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06/03/08 at 8.10pm

25/03/08 at 2.00pm


The area falls into the Shopping Area & Other (mixed) categories, being

in close proximity to Housing (Terraced, Flats/Apartments)

The surveys found that their responses to the following ranged from:

5. The area has a good bus service: Strongly Disagree & Agree

6. Car Parking is easy Around here: Agree

7. It is easy to find you way around here: Agree

8. The area is well maintained: Disagree

Pedestrian routes around the area are Pavements & Pathways. Neither

surveys felt they were in Good Condition.


Graffiti: Common & Very Common


Groups of people hanging around: Uncommon

Vandalism: Common & Uncommon



Graffiti: Unsafe

Advertising Billboards: Safe & No Opinion

Groups of people hanging around: Unsafe & No Opinion

Vandalism: Unsafe

Unoccupied/derelict buildings: Very Unsafe & Unsafe

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Is the area well lit: Poorly lit, resulting in Dark Areas between Lights

and Dim, even immediately below some lights. The light colour is

Amber/Yellow, none of them appear to be obstructed and the lighting does

not make the surveyor feel safer overall. Some of the businesses could

improve the lighting on the frontage of their premises.

Visibility & Vision through the site is generally good, with people

visible at over 20 metres and their faces visible between 11-20 metres,

even at night. However, there are several places where people can hide,

such as the recessed entrances to flats and shops. Generally a person can

see well along their route, but clearer/improved paving would assist a

person, as would improved signage for directions around the location.


the route and may contribute to making someone feel Very Unsafe or

Unsafe:

Walls & Fences, Parked Vehicles, Garages/Sheds, Unoccupied/derelict

buildings and recessed doorways/porches.

Predicting a person’s route through this location could not be done

Easily. An attacker can disappear Very Easily into the surrounding area.

The close proximity of houses to the site contributes to an overall

feeling of Safety.

The area was considered to be Busy and Very Busy during the surveying

times and generally contributed to the surveyor feeling Very Safe &

Unsafe. Pedestrians, Traffic and People in Buildings were never

considered to be more than 11-15 metres away, and in some cases as close

as 5 metres from the surveyor.

During the evening the surveyors recorded that the only places that a

person could go to if they needed help were the fast food outlets, a

newsagents and houses located close by. None of the surveyors knew if

there was a working telephone close by.

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The surveyors noted that there are no visible CCTV cameras covering the

area and no signs informing people of their use. No Security or Police

Patrols were seen by the surveyors while it was being carried out.

Businesses operating late can contribute to an overall feeling of Safety

at night, although the business types here (Fast Food outlets) may

attract people/activities that contribute to an overall feeling of

feeling Unsafe. During the day the area is Very Busy and contributes to

an overall feeling of Very Safe. Clearer signage could be erected,

providing people with directions around the location. Removal of graffiti

and some shop frontages should be improved.

Location 3: Corner of Edenmore Park/Concorde Public House


06/03/08 at 8.00pm


The area falls into the Shopping Area & Other (mixed) categories, being a

Public House in close proximity to a local Girls Primary School (Ste

Eithnes), with Apartments located over the Public House.

The survey found that their responses to the following ranged from:

1. The area has a good bus service: Don’t Know/No Opinion




Pedestrian routes around the area are Pavements and they were in Good

Condition.


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Graffiti: Uncommon

Advertising Billboards: Don’t Know/No Opinion

Groups of people hanging around: Common (outside Pub smoking area)

Vandalism: Uncommon



Graffiti: Unsafe

Advertising Billboards: No Opinion

Groups of people hanging around: Unsafe

Vandalism: Unsafe


Is the area well lit: Adequately lit, resulting in Dark Areas between

Lights. The light colour is White, none of them appear to be obstructed

and the lighting makes the surveyor feel safer overall.

Visibility & Vision around the location is generally good, with people

visible at 16-20 metres and their faces visible between 5-10 metres, even

at night. However, there are several places where people can hide, such

as the gated area around the school and the alleyway between the Public

House and Lidos Takeaway. Lighting in this area would make it easier to

see your route. Generally a person can see well along their route but

improved signage for directions around the location would help.


the route and may contribute to making someone feel Unsafe:

Parked Vehicles and Alleyways.

Predicting a person’s route through this location could be done Very

Easily. An attacker could disappear Very Easily into the surrounding

area.

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The area was considered to be Busy during the surveying time and

generally contributed to the surveyor feeling Safe. Pedestrians, Traffic

and People in Buildings were never considered to be more than 10 metres

away, and in some cases as close as 5 metres from the surveyor

(pedestrians and people in buildings).

During the evening the surveyor recorded that the only places that a

person could go to if they needed help were the fast food outlets and

Concorde Public House. The surveyor recorded that there was a Public

Telephone located in the Concorde Pub and that it was coin operated. The

surveyor did not know whether it was in working order.

The surveyors noted that there was CCTV cameras monitoring the Concorde

entrance. A Police Patrol vehicle passed during the survey.

The lighting around the Concorde and the presence of a late-night take-

away contributed to an overall feeling of being Safe. The surveyor noted

that some lighting in the alleyway between the Concorde and Lidos should

contribute to an overall feeling of being Safer.

Location 4: Corner of Edenmore Avenue/Edenmore Tool Hire


06/03/08 at 8.30pm


The area falls into the Shopping Area & Other (mixed) categories, with

Housing being located in close proximity.

The surveyor found that the response to the following ranged from:

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5. The area has a good bus service: Disagree




Pedestrian routes around the area are Pavements and Pathways that are not

Well Maintained.


Graffiti: Common


Groups of people hanging around: Common

Vandalism: Uncommon



Graffiti: No Opinion

Advertising Billboards: Safe

Groups of people hanging around: Unsafe

Vandalism: Unsafe


Is the area well lit: Poorly lit, resulting in Dark Areas between Lights

and Dim even below lights. Businesses are poorly lit. The light colour is

White, none of them appear to be obstructed and the lighting does not

make the surveyor feel safer overall.

Visibility & Vision around the location is generally good, with people

visible at over 20 metres and their faces visible between 16-20 metres.

However, there are several places where people can hide, such as recessed

entrances and hidden corners of the shops. Improved lighting and improved

pavement markings, with clearer signage for directions would contribute

to feeling Safer. A person can see adequately along their route.

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the route and may contribute to making someone feel Very Unsafe or

Unsafe:

Parked Vehicles, Unoccupied/derelict buildings and recessed

entrances/porches.

Predicting a person’s route through this location could be done Very

Easily. An attacker could disappear Very Easily into the surrounding

area.

The area was considered to be Busy during the surveying time and

generally contributed to the surveyor feeling Safe. Pedestrians, Traffic

and People in Buildings were never considered to be more than 10 metres

away.

During the evening the surveyor recorded that the only places that a

person could go to if they needed help were the fast food outlets, a

newsagents and Houses. The surveyor recorded that they didn’t know if a

Public Telephone was located nearby.

The surveyors noted that there was no CCTV cameras monitoring the

location and no Security/Police Patrols passed during the surveying.

Some features that can contribute to an overall feeling of Safety are the

businesses open late (though the nature of these businesses could create

feelings of being Unsafe) and the proximity of the Houses. The surveyor

recommended that Improved Lighting, Improved Appearance and Clearer

Signage could contribute to make the location feel safer. There are large

areas of underused hard surfaces.

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Further Recommendations

The recommendations made under the headings above would be those

considered most urgent in addressing a range of issues identified in the

assessment. However, there are a range of other changes that can be

implemented that make a contribution to the overall attempts at reducing

crime, tackling anti-social behaviour and creating places that people

want to spend time shopping, living and socialising in. These changes are

generally based on research, experience and critical evaluations of what

does and does not work. It is important to recognise the unique

challenges that specific locations and types of space present, but it is

also important to recognise that careful consideration and application of

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design8 tools are available and

ready to be used. Below, are some further general recommendations that

can also be employed.

Target Hardening: improving building security standards. Obstacles such

as locks should be installed to deter potential burglars and vandals.

Doors, windows, stairwells and hallways should be made more secure and

the quality of exterior doors, door frames, hinges and locks must be

high. Exterior lighting, alarm systems and key controls all add to

security around a building. Advice should be taken from the Gardai on

current recommendations for Target Hardening.

Ensure Residents and Commercial businesses leases reflect

responsibilities, rights and maintenance for individual and private

space.

Communal facilities and spaces for residents should communicate to people

that they are not for general Public use.

Transitional filters: One method of marking out territory is to provide a

series of transitional filters for people moving from public to private 8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_prevention_through_environmental_design

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spaces. This lets people know that areas they should not be in begin well

before they enter an area.

Minimise the number of entries into a site, particularly if it is

intended for residents use only. Build unique elements into shared

residential areas, such as seating, and avoid large paved areas. Ensure

residents doors are clearly numbered and have letterboxes if there are

not lobby/hallway letterboxes. Install fish-eyes/peep holes on all

residents’ entrance doors.

Carry out resident and business security awareness raising initiatives.

These can be done once or twice a year and provide opportunities for new

information about crime and anti-social behaviour to be shared. These

should be ideally organised with police involvement. Encourage residents

and business to develop self-help approaches to managing their space,

increasing a sense ownership and responsibility. Where possible provide

resources that assist in this process. Co-ordinate and consult with

residents and businesses’ about any new initiatives that are planned that

may impact upon them. Also provide specific crime prevention training for

facilities managers.

Contact police and liaise with them around issues such as patrol times.

Residents and businesses will be best placed to let the police know what

times are particularly problematic. The Community Policing Team in the

Gardai offer the most appropriate contact point.

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Conclusion

The relationship between the design of the built environment and

criminal/anti-social behaviour is complex. The two main influences on

criminal and anti-social behaviour are the nature of the physical

environment and the nature of the social environment. Motivators for

criminal and anti-social behaviour largely fall into the category of

‘social motivation’ or ‘situational motivation’. Crime Prevention Through

Environmental Design attempts to counter many of the ‘situational

motivators’ by removing opportunities and deterring people. However, this

approach also needs to be developed in tandem with initiatives that

address wider social conditions influencing crime and anti-social

behaviour. Working in partnership with other agencies such as Probation

Services, Police and Local Authorities provides opportunities for

interventions for tackling more destructive activities at an individual

and community level. The formation by the local Community Development

Project of a Community Safety Group for the Edenmore area provides an

immediate structure to engage with and gather support from other

agencies.

Community interaction is also a key factor in addressing some of the

issues identified in this assessment. The way in which community members

interact with each other and the extent to which they exercise control

over their environment, related to defensible space and territoriality,

and to promoting a sense of ownership by the community all play

significant roles.

The Edenmore Shopping Centre offers many challenges in relation to

tackling the crime and anti-social behaviour taking place. During this

assessment surveyors were aware of the open and large scale drug dealing

that is taking place at various locations. Combined with drug and alcohol

abuse, particularly at weekends, this makes for a particularly

problematic combination. Many of the measures and recommendations

58

presented here will not address these issues alone and a more strategic

plan needs to be developed, that has Community Policing at its centre and

ensures that all stakeholders are involved. This assessment is intended

as a clear account of some of the most pressing concerns and the most

immediate and relevant ways of tackling those concerns. It does not have

the answer to all the problems, but it can act as the catalyst to get

some problems resolved. The Edenmore Community Development Project

welcomed the opportunity to take the lead at this stage by compiling this

assessment.

Acknowledgments

The Edenmore Community Development Project would like to thank the

following, for their contribution to carrying out and completing this

assessment:

David Duggan (Northside Partnership)

St Monicas Information Shop Staff

All the businesses who responded to our requests for information

All the residents who responded to our requests for information

Shea Mahaddy (Work experience student)

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