The police are not experts on the subject of lighting, and only advise on the back of the general fear of crime which is understandable. But it is becoming increasingly obvious that blanket illumination does not deter crime and may actually encourage it. The most intensively illuminated neighbourhoods are often the most dangerous. Crime has been seen to increase in neighbourhoods that did not have lighting after lighting was introduced. People will therefore be safer under a blanket of darkness. Furthermore, most crime occurs in daylight, ergo criminals need light. If you don’t give it to them, they are forced to bring their own, making them easier to detect. Motion operated security lighting may be a deterrent if applied judiciously. As a lighting designer you should incorporate these environmental concerns into your products, and not produce or apply lighting that is counter productive.
I have an idea- why doesn’t the British government allow gun ownership. That would solve our debate.