Reactions to empty spaces Criminals consciously scan the environment to look for criminal opportunity. The recognition of a public place that tolerates and supports their activities is a strategic response by drug dealers, prostitutes and others of an environment that lacks significant ownership interests. Gaps like these and other under-utilized or empty spaces are frequently recognized and exploited by the criminals. Equally important is the trouble and fear they generate for the average resident or normal user of this space. Often seen as intimidating by these people, empty spaces are regularly avoided by normal users thus exacerbating the problem and encouraging the criminal element.
Empty spaces can also include vacant lands.
Vacant lands can be exceptionally problematic given that many absentee landlords pay little attention to them. A fairly representative example of the difficulties encountered with vacant lands was found in the Victoria Hills community of Kitchener. Closest to Mooregate Crescent, the lot accommodated much illegal activity, which resulted in police being constantly called to this locale. Specifically, Constable Davis introduced the idea of a community garden, which effectively assigned a purpose to the space and compensated for the parcel's lack of legitimate activity and overt signs of ownership. The results were tremendous.