FINDINGS
Plate 4.2: An unfenced park results in dumping in Wentworth
Target hardening must be done in conjunction with the maintenance of space as well.
Maintaining these spaces will also reflect a sense of ownership and care for the space, as well as reduce resident's abuse of it (Plate 4.2). Curbing antisocial behaviour is imperative to address crime problems and preserving the image and aesthetics of a community. According to Wilson and Kelling's (1982) broken windows theory, incivilities and antisocial behaviour if left unchecked, will transgress into serious crime.
Thus, this behaviour although not categorised as crime, can lead to crime. For instance, recreational areas are generally vandalised and destroyed by deviant youth or individuals. The destruction of property will decrease the community's use of such spaces, resulting in the space becoming a haven for deviant and criminal behaviour.
These become neglected and unused areas that pose safety hazards.
117 ii) Principle 2 – image and aesthetics
Image determines how a community is perceived and associated risk within that space.
Principle 2 can be used to uplift and improve quality of life through continuous maintenance of spaces. In light of this, the CSF in partnership with the Department of Safer Cities, conducted ward safety profiles, which revealed similar findings. The profile aimed to identify crime and environmental problems within the community. The profile found that "no lights, overgrown bushes and drug abuse problems led to unsocial behaviour" (SDB CSF Minutes, 2011b).
In the community, neglected upkeep of buildings, particularly provincial housing flats, is a cause for concern. The buildings lack proper maintenance and care, and are an eyesore. Crime and disorder thrive around these buildings (Plate 4.3). This is further compounded by the lack of lighting, the growth of unkempt bush and general neglect around the vicinity of the units (Plate 4.4).
Pastor Victor Smith, a member of the SDB CSF, stated:
When a place looks pleasing, people would want to take care and pride in their environments. This would drive out the people who cause crime and influence bad behaviour...criminals will know that people care for and protect that place (CSF Minutes, 2011a).
Pastor Smith's approach to improving the image and aesthetics within the community was to paint murals on provincial flats. Not only would this make the flats look better, but the murals would be used to convey positive messages. An attempt by the SDB CSF to inquire whether a mural could be painted on the flats, proved to be difficult. The provincial government is responsible for these buildings, and numerous challenges exist in gaining permission to privately improve buildings, or to do so through local government. The above example demonstrates that while organisations and/or residents are willing to engage in crime prevention in their area, certain activities need to be approved by different tiers of government. This makes it difficult for residents to make improvements to the built environment without repercussions.
118 Plate 4.3: The poor exterior conditions of provincial flats in Wentworth
Illegal dumping is also a problem that frequently plagues areas around the flats. This portrays a negative image of these areas. Plate 4.5 shows the build-up of rubbish in a bricked space originally built for the residents of the flats to leave garbage for pick-up.
The overflow may be a result of the structure's inability to control the flow of garbage, or residents from and around the flats illegally dumping garbage. Not only is the build- up of refuse a health hazard but it is also aesthetically unpleasing. Plate 4.2 and 4.7 also show dumping by residents in open spaces.
119 Plate 4.4: Bush surrounding provincial flats in Wentworth
One initiative aimed at improving the look of the community has been clean-up campaigns carried out by local government. The SDB ABM office regularly carries out such campaigns and target residents by involving them in the voluntary cleaning of hotspot areas for illegal dumping (Singh, Interview, 2013). These initiatives also touch on crime and grime awareness campaigns by educating residents about the effects of dumping on health and crime.
Beyond the appearance of the immediate environment, abandoned buildings also pose a risk to residents. These buildings, over time, become dilapidated and decrepit. In the Wentworth community, there are numerous unused buildings that have fallen into disrepair by their owners. Many of these tend to be industrial buildings and over time the physical decline influences criminal activity within the immediate vicinity.
120 Plate 4.5: Illegal dumping in Wentworth
Plate 4.6 depicts an abandoned building that is situated between residential homes. The building is not a home, but is architecturally structured as an office or recreational facility. Vandalism has resulted in broken windows, fencing and damage to the building, with bush and uncut grass surrounding the property. Given that is situated next to homes; it creates vulnerability for those living adjacent to it and is aesthetically unappealing.
An immediate short-term response to such a situation would be to uplift degraded buildings by painting, installing wire fencing and continuous cleaning of the area. A long-term response would be the creation of a body corporate to oversee maintenance, lighting and education in maintaining one’s surroundings:
Very bad buildings harbour criminals, and we've worked by either giving the owner of the building notice or the building is demolished and used for productive purposes. Like setting up community gardens. There were also areas where there were overgrown bushes that became dumpsites, once the area is cleared; the land
121 was used for profitable purposes. In some areas there can be potential for sports fields to be drawn up, or (using the site of the demolished building by) making a clearer pathway clearer pedestrians to move from area to the next in a safe environment
(Pillaye, Interview, 2013).