Local government is about more than providing basic services. It is about creating vibrant, lively communities where people can live comfortably and happily. Crime and the fear of crime reduce the quality of life in a community. People enjoy their lives more when they feel safe. Research shows that Australians greatly exaggerate the risk of crime and are more afraid of crime than they need to be.
Media reports about crime certainly encourage fear, but local issues play a great part.
It has been shown that similar conditions can encourage criminals to commit crimes, leading to higher rates of crime. This crime does not only affect a local community psychologically - it also affects it economically and commercially. Increasing community satisfaction and trust is one way of breaking down this environment. When a local government succeeds in creating an area where crime is lower and less costly, it will also have succeeded in creating pleasant, reassuring surroundings where the fear of crime is low. This strengthens community bonds and gives people a sense of ownership in their neighbourhoods.