THE LITHIC INDUSTRY OF OBI-RAKHMAT GROTTO, UZBEKISTAN

The analysis of the Obi-Rakhmat archaeological materials provides us with data suggesting a process of gradual transition from the Middle to Upper Paleolithic occurring in western Central Asia. The chronometric dates available for the site indicate that the developmental processes described above occurred prior to 50,000 years ago. This new adaptation was based on Levallois technology aimed at the production of laminar blanks. The Obi-Rakhmat industry demonstrates technical and typological features similar to those noted in Late Mousterian and early Upper Paleolithic complexes in Southwest Asia and the Russian Altai

Towards understanding crime dynamics in a heterogeneous environment:A mathematical approach

Crime data provides information on the nature and location of the crime but, in general, does not include information on the number of criminals operating in a region. By contrast, many approaches to crime reduction necessarily involve working with criminals or individuals at risk of engaging in criminal activity and so the dynamics of the criminal population is important. With this in mind, we develop a mechanistic, mathematical model which combines the number of crimes and number of criminals to create a dynamical system. Analysis of the model highlights a threshold for criminal efficiency, below which criminal numbers will settle to an equilibrium level that can be exploited to reduce crime through prevention. This efficiency measure arises from the initiation of new criminals in response to observation of criminal activity; other initiation routes - via opportunism or peer pressure - do not exhibit such thresholds although they do impact on the level of criminal activity observed. We used data from Cape Town, South Africa, to obtain parameter estimates and predicted that the number of criminals in the region is tending towards an equilibrium point but in a heterogeneous manner - a drop in the number of criminals from low crime neighbourhoods is being offset by an increase from high crime neighbourhoods

Manipulating Permeability as a Process for Controlling Crime: Balancing Security and Sustainability in Local Contexts

In response to the sustainability agenda, planning policy in the UK, USA and Australia has shifted to promote compact, high-density, mixed-used residential developments in walkable and permeable street networks close to public transport (Commonwealth of Australia, 1995; DETR, 1998; American Planning Association, 2007). This is to encourage walking and the use of public transport and to reduce car-use, energy use, pollution, congestion and urban sprawl. However, although permeability is assumed to represent a positive built environment feature which reduces crime by promoting more "eyes on the street" (Jacobs, 1961), a significant body of research in the field of environmental criminology challenges this assumptions. This paper reviews the theories and evidence associated with permeability and crime.Pedestrian access ways (PAWs) are often associated with crime and this paper discusses research which was directed at providing practical guidance to local governments on how they could better manage existing PAWs in Western Australia (WA). A morphological analysis of existing PAWs was undertaken which analysed the purposes, roles, functionality, users and dynamics of PAWs in a variety of different settings. In addition to crime (which had commonly be used as an excuse to close PAWs), the research considered issues such as amenity, walkability, equity and sustainability. A suite of five tools for assessing and reducing crime risk were developed, which attempt to balance security and sustainability issues. Contrary to assumptions, most PAWs were not subject to high levels of crime and many were vital to the community. Intriguingly, findings indicated that neighbourhood permeability can potentially be manipulated (via the management, closure or construction of new PAWs) to achieve the desired outcomes of reducing crime and of enhancing walkability, liveability and ultimately, the sustainability and well-being of communities

Reconciling Security with Sustainability: The Challenge for Eco-Homes

The importance of sustainable development is clear. The United Kingdom needs more homes, yet the impact on the environment must be minimized. Planning policy has begun to reflect this challenge, and the Code for Sustainable Homes (albeit voluntary) sets standards to improve the sustainability of new homes and offers a tool for developers to differentiate themselves within the market, based on their green credentials. Although there is no doubting the importance of sustainable development, it is essential to ensure that a step forward for the green agenda does not present a step back for crime prevention and designing out crime. This paper presents the findings from a recent project to establish the extent to which security and sustainability criteria might conflict. Through a detailed analysis of both planning and crime prevention policy, as well as a review of existing eco-homes throughout the United Kingdom, conflicts are identified and recommendations are made for aligning the two agendas