Very few studies have been conducted to investigate the link between street lighting and crime. In most towns where streetlights were cut at night, no increase in delinquency was observed, let alone crime. It would even be the opposite, according to some elected officials who have decided to put in place a fire extinguisher.
Whereas several mayors of Yvelines are preparing to cut public lighting all or part of the night, especially in the villages, in order to save energy, it is therefore on the feeling of insecurity that some opponents rely. “I put myself in the place of the woman who returns alone from the station in a totally black street and I understand her opposition”, admits a police officer, who intervenes in the Yvelines. But according to him, the situation must be assessed differently depending on the area.
Keep light to prevent ambushes
In the countryside or in quiet towns, the extinction of fires would be of no consequence. “The burglaries usually take place during the day. In addition, thieves need a minimum of light to operate, he explains. And burglars who walk around with a flashlight will be easily spotted. Furthermore, this has positive effects on road safety. Everyone has experienced it: when it’s dark, you drive slower. »
But in town or in sensitive neighborhoods, it’s different, assures this accustomed to complicated areas. On the one hand because there are more people there who walk around and need to be reassured. On the other hand because the police need a minimum of light to prevent ambushes. “We can see this clearly in the event of an urban riot: the first thing the thugs do is turn off the light. When we are blind, we are vulnerable. »
