Low Cost Interventions
4. Proximity-Aware Social Lights
Wearable or portable devices that use bluetooth or motion sensors to detect nearby people. They can glow/flash when a trusted contact is nearby, signal distress when someone unfamiliar remains too close for too long, or provide passive social signalling to deter unwanted proximity. They increase spatial awareness and social accountability, deter lingering / stalking behaviour, empower users to non-verbally signal discomfort, and improve confidence in public/semi-public spaces. Particularly effective in low-light or crowded areas, but their success depends on community awareness, trusted contact networks, and integration with broader safety strategies.
Hardware (wearable or portable smart light device): £30-£100 per unit (feature dependent)
Software/App integration: £5-£15 per user (one-time or annual license)
Distribution & setup: £3-£10 per unit (packaging, instructions, onboarding)
Awareness & training campaigns: £1,500-£4,500 for community rollout
Total (per 100 users): £5,300-£13,500
Device procurement & testing: 2-3 weeks
App configuration & trusted contact setup: 1-2 weeks
Distribution & onboarding: 1 week
Community Awareness & training: 2-3 weeks
Total: 6-9 weeks
Battery replacement or charging: £5-£10 per annum
App updates & support: £5-£15 per annum
Device replacement (loss/damage): £10-£30 per annum
Annual Maintenance Cost: £20-£55 per user per annum
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Effectiveness
Improved lighting is shown to encourage a 21% reduction in violent crime. Another study showed 93% of women claimingthat improved lighting would make them feel safer. In this same study, well-lit areas saw a 36% reduction in all crime, and a 38% reduction in rape.
The Home Office formally lists lighting as a proven crime reduction intervention.