NSW: New guidelines to design out crime

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2001
NSW: New guidelines to design out crime

Councils can reject development applications for buildings with designs that fail to
discourage crime under new guidelines introduced by the New South Wales government.

The crime prevention guidelines, issued to all local councils, will encourage building
developments that reduce opportunities for crime.

Urban Affairs and Planning Minister ANDREW REFSHAUGE says most crimes are opportunistic
and the onus is on developers to come up with designs that discouraged crime.

He's told reporters, public thoroughfare that are dark, and not well lit, are more
likely to attract criminals.

He says if there are no blind alleys, it takes away the opportunity for people to be
pulled into them and robbed or mugged.

Among the guidelines are recommendations for clear sightlines between public and private
spaces, effective lighting, attractive landscaping and restricted access to high risk
areas such as carparks.

He also says the guidelines are not enforceable but most councils have reacted positively
to them.

AAP RTV sal/rp/alt/jn

KEYWORD: DESIGN (SYDNEY)

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