Crime prevention? Just choose pink

Few disagree that non-violent crime has been falling since 1995, sharply at first and more slowly over the last decade.

One of the explanations for the drop is simply that it’s become more difficult to commit certain sorts of crime.  Improved security, with the spread of double glazing and stronger doors as standard, has made life more difficult for the opportunistic thief.

Car security has improved and, whilst the serious car thief may not be put off, it’s certainly raised the bar.

But car colour?

Research from the Netherlands suggests that cars and bikes in more unusual colours, like yellow or pink, are less likely to be stolen.  And not just a litle less likely. A study over several years found that not a single one of 109 pink cars were stolen.

Why?

First there’s resale value.  The cars may all leave the showroom with the same price tag, but popular coloured cars sell second-hand for 5 to 10 percent more than the pinks and yellows.

Then there’s anonymity.  A pink car is going to stand out a lot more and be more easily spotted by police.  If it were used in another crime, it would stick in the memories of witnesses a lot more effectively.

So if you want to keep your car and bike, paint them pink.

There’s a more general point, too.  Hard-liners often attack liberals for seeking to understand why criminals and terrorists do what they do, confusing that understanding with excusing or forgiving.

But understanding the motivations behind criminal and terrorist acts is one of the most powerful tools we have to cut crime and catch the criminals.