Audits & Methodology

A clear and precise vision of crime and delinquency in a given territory and of the way they are perceived by different groups of population is crucial in order to design integrated local crime prevention policies and implement local actions that improve individual and collective security.

Indeed, research in criminology (notably the 2002 Sherman report, Evidence-based crime prevention) shows that evidence-based prevention strategies do reduce crime and victimisation. The United Nations stresses the importance of strategic responses that are based on a ‘systematic analysis of crime problems, their causes, their risk factors and their consequences, at the local level’.

As part of this strategic approach to urban security, Efus has long been promoting security audits as a key tool that local and regional authorities can use to gather evidence. With the development of information technologies, new tools and methods can be used to collect detailed data and associate citizens in the design, implementation and evaluation of crime prevention strategies and actions.

> Recommendations from the 2025 Security, Democracy and Cities manifesto

> Reports from the 2024 Security, Democracy and Cities conference
– Prevention models for cities
– How to apply an innovative approach to solve urban security challenges: A case study on preventing recidivism

> Positioning

In its 2025 Security, Democracy and Cities manifesto, Efus calls policy makers to “regularly assess their security strategy and the place allocated to crime prevention to ensure a relevant and balanced allocation of financial and human resources in the short, medium and long term.” It also calls local and regional authorities to cooperate more with research institutions. “To foster a common evaluation culture, civil society and the private sector must also be included with support from national, European and international institutions.” 

AUDITS