Dynamic defence: Dynamic guardianship for enhanced neighbourhood security

Objectives: Guardianship has been vital to reduce burglary rates and, hence, increase perceived neighbourhood safety. Ensuring continuous presence of human guardians in a neighbourhood is not feasible. Eliciting the feeling of a guardian present without a guardian actually being there seems to be a next logical step. This could be achieved via technology mimicking the presence of guardians, also known as dynamic guardianship. In two studies we examine the effects of dynamic guardians on behaviour as well as experiences of safety and security.

Methods: In study 1, 125 students acted as burglars in a virtual neighbourhood, whereas in study 2, 105 students acted as potential homebuyers. Both groups were randomly exposed to one of three levels of guardianship (self-switching lights, self-closing blinds, smart-home camera) or no guardianship.

Results: In study 1, dynamic guardianship measures impact the distance and time walked in the neighbourhood but did not elicit a deterrent effect. In study 2, the presence of dynamic guardianship impacted the perceived privacy and safety of potential homebuyers.

Conclusions: Using technology to mimic physical guardianship could be a viable option to be used replacing physical guardianship, but the search for even more effective measures is still ongoing.