Knitting reduces fear of crime in Leicester parks
TO Bede Park and Great Central Way Leicesters, where Leicestershire Police have been “guerilla knitting”. By stringing up pom-poms from trees, police hope to reduce the fear of crime.
Charlotte Bilby, a senior lecturer in criminology at Northumbria University, thinks it a good idea to wrap the park in cotton wool, and to house police officers in trees:
“I think that making an area look cosier certainly makes an area feel safer. If you see something that makes you smile, that makes you think that other people have enjoyed being in that space, then that’s going to change your perception.”
Sgt Simon Barnes adds:
“I am really hopeful that the actions will reduce the fear of becoming a victim of crime, as the perception really is much different to the actual reported levels of crime.”
If knitting fails, police will move on to chess, painting and poetry. In the meanwhile, locals are advised to carry knitting needles in a clenched fist at all times.
Posted: 6th, March 2013 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
