1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Security professionals are, of course, aware of the effect that lighting has in
reducing criminal opportunity. Nonetheless, it is interesting to note that various studies and experiments have recently been conducted that have documented this fact. In one such study, a small town turned off its streetlights in response to national appeals for energy conservation. An immediate outbreak of vandalism and petty thefts occurred.

The outbreak peaked with four firms in a commercial district being burglarised in a single evening. As a result, the conservationists’ ideas were replaced by the realities of the community with public demand forcing a return to the properly lighted streets.

1.2 Recently, the owner of a house, that was burgled, said he did not switch on the garden lights as he wanted to be environmentally friendly. After the break- in, he installed a dozen lights and turned them on all night. This example is extreme. However, experience has shown a close relationship between
illumination and crime.

1.3 Because of this clear relationship, street lighting intensity has increased in
many communities well above the standards required for traffic safety.
Streetlights, however, are not the only type of lighting important to crime
prevention and security. Other illuminating devices such as floodlights,
searchlights, and fresnel units can also increase security around homes,
businesses, and industrial complexes.

1.4 The various types of security lighting seek to achieve one or more of the
following objectives:-
• Deterrent
• Revealment
• Prevention
• Detection