Youth and the Conflict Over Urban Space

Abstract

This paper discusses the nature of conflicts over community space involving young people, businesses and the police. It explores the different uses and users of public spaces such as shopping centres and malls, the definition of such places in terms of 'commercial' activity, and the role of police in protecting the interests of private business and regulating the activities of the 'non-consumer' in Central Business Districts. The paper also discusses attempts to 'design crime out' through situational and environmental techniques, and the impact of a crime prevention strategy based primarily on exclusion of people from certain city sites.