Summary
This study analyzed the effectiveness of 13 closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring projects in the UK, with attention to the impact on reported crime, victimization rates, fear of crime, and other variables addressed in local surveys. Six projects showed a relatively substantial reduction in crime in the target area, but only 2 showed a statistically significant reduction compared to the control area. In one of these cases, the change was explained by the presence of confounding variables. Crime increased in 7 areas, but this was not attributed to CCTV. The findings in these seven areas were inconclusive, since a range of variables could account for the changes in crime levels, including fluctuations in crime rates due to seasonal, divisional, and national trends, as well as additional initiatives. Systems installed in a variety of contexts had the greatest impact.