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Broken Window Theory Essay

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Broken Window Theory Essay
In a study conducted by Kees Keizer, an envelope with a 5 Euro note was placed in a mailbox. When the mailbox was clean and the surrounding area was free of litter, only 13% of people who passed by it took the money, but when the mailbox was covered with graffiti, 27% of the passers-by took the money (Keizer). The Broken Window Theory explains that cracking down on urban disorder will prevent additional crime and antisocial behavior. Proponents of this theory say that it is effective at preventing and reducing crime. Opponents say that this theory is malicious because it is racist and unfairly targets the poor. The implementation of the Broken Window Theory by police departments has prevented gun violence in low-income neighborhoods, has encouraged business growth and development and has encouraged urban tourism.
The goal of using the Broken Window Theory of criminology is to police and make neighborhoods safe for the people who live and work in them. This goal can be achieved by preventing urban disorder because urban disorder leads to urban decay, which eventually …show more content…
Graffiti is very prevalent in low-income urban neighborhoods. When graffiti is not removed, more people will take the opportunity to graffiti, litter will accumulate, people will loiter and larger, more serious crimes such as mugging and shooting will take place (Arrington, 67-69). This disorder causes people who have the ability to leave the neighborhood to leave, those who cannot leave stay indoors, property values decrease and new businesses are discouraged from investing
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