Towards reducing the street crime index of Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Street crimes cover three main categories of criminal behaviour, namely, snatch thefts, individual robbery without firearms and gang robbery without firearms. In some cases, street crimes may result in deaths and serious injuries to victims. In Malaysia, street crimes have become a growing problem, especially in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Johor such that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) is focusing all efforts to combat street crimes. This was because street crimes often resulted in severe and traumatic impacts, including lingering fear to victims, their families, and the community. Besides, street crimes also have links to other criminal behaviours. This study elucidates factors that aggravate street crimes in Kuala Lumpur City Centre and the idea of reducing the Street Crime Index through two methods, namely, monitoring of city safety, and comprehensive prevention of street crimes in accordance with the importance of the affected area. In conclusion, the findings of this study should help the police to improve crime monitoring activities effectively, and urban planners to design a safer city through land use planning that takes into account crime risks and potentials for a crime-free Kuala Lumpur.