The duality of visibility: Does visibility increase or decrease the fear of crime in schools' exterior environments?

Visibility is an important factor that affects fear of crime in environments. This study suggests empirical evidence of the relationship between visibility and fear of crime in environments using an automated quantitative analysis method. Spots where children felt fear in exterior areas of elementary schools were aggregated, and their characteristics were analyzed with two visibility dimensions of visual connectivity with no visible distance restrictions and with visible distances restricted. In general, locations with lower levels of visibility reported higher levels of fear of crime. However, where there was very high visibility, fear of crime also increased. In other words, visibility has a dual nature, both increasing and decreasing fear of crime in environments. In addition, the visible distance was a significant element that affects fear of crime. With the assistance of methods and results of this study, designers can plan safer environments and improve existing environments by considering visibility in a systematic and significant manner.