Communicating Crime Reduction

Considering fear of crime

A note about risk 

A considerable amount of research and evidence is available in relation to the public’s perception of risk. It is not uncommon for an individual’s perception of the risk to be completely out of proportion to the real statistical probability. In academic research the factors which lead people to be concerned about risk are often referred to as ‘fright factors’ (Dr Peter Bennett: ‘Communicating about risks to public health’ 1998). 

A situation is seen as generally more worrying if it is perceived to be:

• involuntary (e.g. pollution) as opposed to voluntary (e.g. smoking) – i.e. it happens to you regardless of you exercising any choice.
   

• inescapable by taking personal precautions.
   

• cause hidden and irreversible damage.
   

• posing particular danger to the vulnerable  - small children and the elderly.
   

• threatening some form of death or illness/injury.
   

• damaging identifiable rather than anonymous victims.
   

• poorly understood by science or the responsible agencies.
   

• subject to contradictory statements from responsible sources.

Communicating the nature of risk is an area that has been extensively studied. Effective communication is dependent on addressing the ‘fright factors’ identified above.  Counteracting the sense of crime being inevitable or inescapable are attainable communication goals. Communicators should seek to co-ordinate messages about crime to provide a more consistent picture, and to improve the presentation of our knowledge of what works in preventing crime. Inconsistent information about crime – particular that suggests crime is ‘out of control’ or ‘worse than ever’ will inevitably contribute to increased fear.

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