Vol. 117 (2004): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Ornamental, Garden & Landscape

Do designed landscapes deter crime?

Alfredo B. Lorenzo
Florida A&M University

Published 2004-12-01

Keywords

  • landscaping benefits,
  • landscape design,
  • logistic regression,
  • property crime,
  • ndvi

Abstract

The relationship between the amount of vegetation and the level of property crime within the City of Tallahassee was evaluated. Results indicated a statistically significant negative relationship between the incidence of property crime committed in the city and the amount of vegetation as measured using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within the area in which those crimes occurred. Areas with less than the average mean NDVI level had an increased frequency of crime. Results indicated statistically significant relationships between the amount of vegetation and traditional social-economic variables (i.e., income level, unemployment, housing density), and level of property crimes committed. Results also indicated that the amount of vegetation could predict the likelihood of a household becoming a victim of property crime.