More Night Light

In the past, Toplist lists have expressed some rather negative views on light pollution. Our writers, however, are prepared to accept both the good and the bad. A specific study that offers some very useful information on the situation promises a significant decrease in crime, which sounds like a very good thing indeed.

The New York City Housing Authority, the New York City Police Department, and the research organization Crime Lab published their findings on a six-month study of 80 communities with more than 80,000 residents in 2018. When the amount of lights was dramatically increased in certain communities, they discovered a 39% decrease in violent crime.

These included high-priority areas whereas few as 21% of the locals claimed to feel secure while out and about at night. The study was notable for being supported by thirteen additional ones carried out in the US and the UK, however the size of those additional studies and the level of crime decline they discovered were both substantially smaller, averaging only 27%. Although it seems strange to use the word "only" in any context while discussing a 27% drop in crime.