'Broken window theory' project revamps Hackney estate - MDX report

More than 100 actions were included in a massive effort by the police, council and community to revitalise Gilpin Square in the London borough

Children enjoying football coaching in the square as part of project (Credit: Gary Manhine, Hackney )

A council, police and community organisation drive to tackle crime and clean up an estate in Hackney based on the ‘broken window theory’ could be a model for similar neighbourhoods across London, according to a new report from Middlesex University.

Gilpin Square in the London borough suffered from 19 violent criminal acts of which included eight involved potential firearm use and a dozen were linked to gangs from October 2020 until August 2023. Authorities identified concerns about criminal activity with poorly lit areas, overgrown shrubbery blocking light and CCTV that needed to be upgraded, while a corner of the square was dominated by waste ground and the local health centre had closed. A survey of residents found the biggest issues revolved around the general cleanliness of the estate.

Hackney Council’s Community Gang Team, Hackney Police and community groups launched a project in the square and Mandeville Street based on the ‘broken window theory’, which suggests that visible signs of crime, anti-social behaviour, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further law-breaking.

It featured more than 100 actions including:

• Increased patrols by police, enforcement and CCTV officers, CCTV upgrade to a digital system, six abandoned vehicles removed and 249 parking tickets issued.
• Trees and bushes pruned along with new planting, graffiti removed, street lighting repairs, community art mural completed, waste removed and pavements jet washed.
• Visits by public health care professionals, gangs, sex work and drugs and alcohol outreach staff.
• Numerous community and legacy projects such as a new neighbourhood watch scheme, football coaching, homework club, children taken to a gaming event and theatre show, community cooking and woodworking classes, a part funded boxing tournament which attracted 48 boxers and 450 attendees and mobile health bus visits.

Anthony Goodman, a Professor of Criminal and Community Social Justice at Middlesex University who grew up in Stoke Newington in Hackney and who co-authored the report with Research Fellow Dr Robin Fletcher, said: “I really believe in the broken window theory and that this project could work with other London estates. This project inspired confidence in the local community and its organisations and the belief they are not being forgotten when they started seeing the CCTV upgraded, the abandoned vehicles removed and that it was okay to be on the square, which by common consent had become rundown to a degree, because it feels safer, more vibrant and with more people around.

“If this is tokenistic then it would be a waste of time but it is clear from speaking with various authorities that they don’t envisage this as a one off and are committed to growing and improving the estate and community cohesion.”

A gardening project has also helped to spruce up the square (Credit: Gary Manhine, Hackney) 

Metropolitan Police data reveal there were 99 crimes committed between January and April 2023 but 69 during the same period this year which showed ‘green shoots of law-abiding behaviour’, the report noted.

The report paid special praise to the Pedro Club as the ‘centre’ of the community and a ‘safe haven’ for young people which while primarily a boxing club also offers hot meals for groups with food donated by local restaurants and staged a summer camp with help from a £5,000 donation by two local firms.

The Pedro Club said its partnership with the Community Gangs Team is aimed at improving the lives of the community and the work covers health and wellbeing, the environment, supporting families and individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Events and activities are free to ensure everyone has access regardless of economic background.

James Cook MBE, a former British Super Middleweight boxing champion and President of the Pedro Club, said: “The work completed with the Community Gangs Team in Gilpin Square motivated these achievements and renewed a sense of pride within the community. They have played a vital role in supporting us and others in being able to offer free after school provision in Maths and English classes, support to young people through sport such as boxing, mentorship and career discussions with employment professionals, free school holiday events throughout the year including free breakfast, lunch and snacks.”

The report is due to be published on the Hackney Council website.

Find out more about the Pedro Club