Brighter streetlights cut nighttime violence, but only for a while, study finds

Streetlights illuminate autumn foliage in a suburban Maryland neighborhood. Brighter streetlights may help reduce nighttime violence, according to a new study. (Photo by Amanda Watford/Stateline)As days grow shorter and darkness arrives earlier across much of the country, a new study suggests that brighter streetlights may help reduce nighttime violence — at least temporarily. Researchers found that outdoor nighttime violent crime fell by about 46% in targeted areas of Newark, New Jersey, during the first six months after aging streetlights were replaced with LED fixtures. The reductions were driven largely by declines in aggravated assaults and robberies, the researchers found. But the effect faded over time. The upgrades did not produce a statistically significant reduction in violent crime over two years, and researchers found no significant overall effect on property crime. The findings suggest that improved street lighting may help cities reduce violence in targeted areas, but tha