Communicating Crime Reduction

Considering fear of crime

The media and crime

Stories containing all or some of these factors are generally more likely to gain prominence on newspaper pages or in news broadcasts.

An increasing body of research suggests the media have a significant impact on people’s perceptions and fear of crime.

An American study (Feeling Safe by Comparison: Crime in the Newspapers – Social Problems Vol 37 Liska and Baccaglini) suggests that while media stories of murders and serious crimes do affect feelings of public safety, their impact can be mitigated by local stories giving a positive picture of the neighbourhood. 

Partnerships should recognise that the local media can play a crucial role in engaging the local community and helping to reduce crime. Local newspapers, radio and TV stations are influential members of the local community, consideration might be given to inviting them to be part of local partnerships. This can help make the media part of the solution rather than the problem – for example by drawing up and agreeing protocols for responsible crime reporting. The media a rewarded by access to the decision making process at a strategic level and are able to contribute as strategic partners – for example by running community involvement campaigns, alerting the public to emerging crime problems or providing crime prevention advice.

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