A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of data on CCTV in public spaces shows benefits for crime prevention. The results are primarily driven by relatively effectiveness of CCTV in car parks (51% decrease in crime). Other uses of CCTV were less successful resulting an an average decrease in crime of around 16% with 7% reduction in city and town centres and public housing.
The reduction in crime was highest in the USA compared to other western countries due to increased effect of use of CCTV in car parks. The research is available From Justice Quarterly Vol 26 December 2009. Welsh, B. C and Farrington, D. P. (2009) Public Area CCTV and Crime Prevention: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
See, http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a910294104~db=all~jumptype=rss
