Fear of crime and the environment: systematic review of UK qualitative evidence

BackgroundThe fear of crime may have negative consequences for health and wellbeing. It is influenced by factors in the physical and social environment. This study aimed to review and synthesize qualitative evidence from the UK on fear of crime and the environment.MethodsEighteen databases were searched, including crime, health and social science databases. Qualitative studies conducted in the UK which presented data on fear of crime and the environment were included. Quality was assessed using Hawker et al.’s framework. Data were synthesized thematically. total of 40 studies were included in the review. Several factors in the physical environment are perceived to impact on fear of crime, including visibility and signs of neglect. However, factors in the local social environment appear to be more important as drivers of fear of crime, including social networks and familiarity. Broader social factors appear to be of limited relevance. There is considerable evidence for limitations on physical activity as a result of fear of crime, but less for mental health impacts.ConclusionsFear of crime represents a complex set of responses to the environment. It may play a role in mediating environmental impacts on health and wellbeing.

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We analyzed data from 2002 to 2004 of the Whitehall II study, a longitudinal study of more than 10 000 London-based civil servants aged 35 to 55 years at baseline.



Fear of crime was associated with poorer mental health, reduced physical functioning on objective and subjective indicators, and lower quality of life. Participants reporting greater fear were 1.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.55, 2.41) times as likely to have depression as those reporting lower fear of crime and had lower mental health scores (0.9 points on the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36; 95% CI=0.4, 1.3). They exercised less, saw friends less often, and participated in fewer social activities compared with the less fearful participants. Curtailed physical and social activities helped explain the link between fear of crime and health.



Fear of crime may be a barrier to participation in health-promoting physical and social activities. Public health practitioners should support fear-reduction initiatives.

title: Fear of Crime: A Review of the Literature1
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title: Through children's eyes: childhood, place and the fear of crime
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title: Lesbian Safety Talk: Problematizing Definitions and Experiences of Violence, Sexuality and Space
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title: Inequality in access to local environments: the experiences of Asian and non-Asian girls
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title: "Nae as nice a scheme as it used to be": lay accounts of neighbourhood incivilities and well-being.
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title: Imagining the Victim of Crime
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