How Improved Lighting Could REDUCE Crime In Darkness Improved lighting deters potential offenders by increasing the risk that they will be seen or recognized when committing crimes. Police become more visible, thus leading to a decision to desist from crime. If improved lighting leads to the arrest and imprisonment of repeat offenders they can no longer commit crimes in the area. New lighting can encourage residents to spend more time on their stoops or in their front yards in the evenings and thus increase informal surveillance. Improved lighting can encourage more people to walk at night, which would increase informal surveillance. In Daylight New lighting shows that city government and the police are determined to control crime. As a result, potential offenders might no longer see the neighborhood as affording easy pickings. In additions, citizens might be motivated to pass on information about offenders. Better lighting can increase community pride and cohesiveness, leading to a greater willingness to intervene in crime and to report it.