Trimmed garden hedges cut car crime by 28% in London

A police officer has said cutting hedges has helped cut car crime by 28% in an area of north London.
Sgt Dave Williams said the initiative improved "natural surveillance" which deters thieves by increasing the chance of them being seen.
Since last summer, residents in Fortis Green had been encouraged to trim hedges and Haringey Council cut back trees that were blocking out light.
Police say foliage in front gardens should not be more than a metre high.
Sgt Williams, of the Fortis Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "This is a good example of how we can take action to tackle crime issues by working together with the community and the council.
"We have seen a significant reduction in the number of thefts from vehicles since the work was carried out, which illustrates the importance of allowing natural surveillance in order to deter criminals."

(reproduced from BBC News London, 27th August 2010)

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