Lighting is a central element of crime prevention and community safety. The level of lighting provided in an area directly affects both perceived and actual opportunities for crime.
Poorly illuminated public spaces discourage people from using the public realm at night which reduces passive surveillance of areas. These perceptions are not unfounded; areas with low levels of lighting do provide increased opportunities for concealment and other criminal activity such as vandalism.
Streets with little or no activity at night due to low levels of lighting are unwelcoming places that discourage use.
Well-lit public spaces encourage night time use and increase the activity and passive surveillance of an area, encouraging people’s sense of safety.
In response to antisocial behaviour on Anzac Hill, Trevor Read Park and Wills Terrace, lighting was upgraded. In late 2018, lighting along Leichhardt Terrace along the Todd River was upgraded.
A lighting masterplan has been developed and is informing future lighting upgrades in the CBD.
