Bibliography
"Published in Plan Canada Magazine, January 1998; also published in Reader on Canadian Planning: Linking practice
with theory, Nelson 2007"--Page 2.
Summary
"Criminals consciously scan the environment for criminal opportunities. A public place that lacks significant ownership
interest is often perceived by prostitutes, drug dealers and others as an environment which may tolerate and support their
activities. These and other under-utilized and empty spaces are readily recognized and exploited by criminals. Often
referred to by environmental criminologists as "good" (for the criminal) environmental cues, they draw the offender's
attention with their apparent lack of activity, ownership, maintenance or care.
Equally important is the fear empty spaces generate in the average resident or normal user. Frequently seen as
intimidating, these spaces are avoided by normal users, thereby exacerbating the problem and encouraging the criminal
element. Vacant lands can be exceptionally problematic given that many absentee landlords pay little attention to them."--Page 2.