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Dr. Felton Earls has done research on the roots of crime, and has arrived at the following insight, quoted in this NY Times article:

Dr. Earls and his colleagues argue that the most important influence on a neighborhood’s crime rate is neighbors’ willingness to act, when needed, for one another’s benefit, and particularly for the benefit of one another’s children. And they present compelling evidence to back up their argument.

Well, duh! It seems obvious to me, that a neighbourhood in which people are actively engaged would be a better place to live and show lower crime rates, and it’s wonderful that Earls now has scientific data to back this up. Great work, that has the potential to significantly change todays policies.

And of course the notion that people taking responsibility for their own neighbourhood can make a difference sits VERY well with me.