The Displacement of Disorder – a Case Study on Urban Crime Prevention in Train Station Districts

Abstract

Displacement is a term principally linked with the unintended effects of urban crime prevention. Evaluation research has shown that crime displacement can be a potential but not mandatory consequence of crime prevention initiatives. Using the Düsseldorf train station district as an example, this paper is dedicated to the displacement of disorder, which we investigate by means of guided expert interviews and group discussions, structured site visits and participatory observations. As a result, there are clear indications of displacement tendencies, which lead to intensified conflicts in the vicinity of Düsseldorf central station.