Political economy and crime in Tang Village

Abstract

Government policy can influence community development that impacts public security. In this chapter, several examples are cited. The government’s abolition of the custody and repatriation regulations motivated rascals to cause trouble on the streets. The banning of motorcycles to reduce motorcycle robbery created a crime displacement effect. The Universiade held in Shenzhen in 2011 brought a makeover for Tang Village with an urban beautification campaign, and brought about law enforcement against high-risk personnel. The Red Armband Program was implemented to mobilize the public to prevent crime, which brought short-term benefits to the village. Finally, the building of a university town and a new science park beside Tang Village forced the relocation of two nearby neighborhoods and removed the crime hotspots on those sites.