Improving Urban Security through Spatial Interventions in Piraeus
The project has implemented several spatial interventions, including the renovation of 8 playgrounds and the target hardening and beautification of school buildings in the 5th Municipal District (MD) of Piraeus, a densely populated area of the city known for its financial and social degradation and low levels of social cohesion. These interventions aim to enhance the open spaces and overall environment in the area, ultimately working to create a safer and more cohesive community.
The rationale behind the BSFS investments is multi-fold:
- Improvement of the perception of security by promoting clean, well-maintained, and well-ordered places;
- Creation of perceived areas of proprietary concern by clearly defining ownership of space
- Pioneering investment deriving and initiated by the Municipal Authority thus acting as a paradigm to follow and replicate;
- Visualisation the Municipality of Piraeus commitment to urban security.
In addition to these spatial interventions, six patrol vehicles were acquired for the Piraeus Police Departments in order to enhance patroling and reduce crime through the proper evaluation and utilization of data collected.
Renovation of 8 playgrounds in Piraeus
The renovation of 8 playgrounds in the 5th Municipal District of the Municipality of Piraeus were among the most important interventions of BeSecure-FeelSecure project. The interventions were implemented in one of the most densely populated areas of the city, aiming to reinforce urban security and to increase citizens’ sense of security through environmental planning.
The eight new safe playgrounds that have been delivered to the public are: C -130; Vlachakou – Pavlou Mela; Vokou; Dilaveri Park; Ellis; Kapetan Germa; Palamidiou; and Sofi.
upgrading the playgrounds in a highly densely populated area, the BSFS initiative and the Municipality of Piraeus addresses the need for safe and attractive public spaces and aims to increase of actual and perceived security by introducing clean and lively spots in the city.
The Mayor of Piraeus and other officials visited the renovated playground in Dilaveri Park and had the chance to see up close the completion the upgrades, stating that offering a beautiful environment for the children of Piraeus is a top priority for the Municipal Authority.
Target Hardening & Beautifications of School Buildings
The project has received support from local community groups and the Local Council for Crime Prevention, and has identified five public schools in the area as particularly vulnerable to vandalism due to their easy access. The goal of these interventions is to fortify these schools against delinquency and improve overall safety in the community.
Target Hardening
Target hardening is an approach to making schools a less attractive target for anyone with “bad intent”. In this line, three school facilities in the 5th Municipal District were chosen for their fencing to be reinforced as there were reports or fear of antisocial behavior and vandalism outside of school hours (evening – night). Specifically, the following securing measures were adopted:
- 13th High School of Piraeus: 30 meters of higher fencing and new entrance door both at least 3meters high.
- 3rd Senior High School of Piraeus: 120 meters of higher fencing and 2 new entrance doors, all at least 3meters high.
- 15th Senior High School of Piraeus: Higher fencing and new entrance door both at least 3meters high.
Beautification
Regarding the beautification of vandalized buildings, it was decided that vandalized or destroyed facades of certain schools in the 5th MD will be benefited.
The rationale in those interventions is to improve the image of the certain vandalized properties in MD5 and to consequently elevate the appearance of the area and reduce the feeling of degradation and insecurity.
The interventions include repairs of damaged coatings, removal of graffiti, new paints and anti-graffiti coatings. The schools selected are the following:
- 3rd Senior High School of Piraeus
- 6th Elementary & 1st Κindergarten of Piraeus
- 4th Highschool of Piraeus
Enhancing Safety for Citizens: BSFS Acquires 4 Cars and 2 Motorcycles to Support Piraeus Police
The Be Secure-Feel Secure (BSFS) project has made an investment in the City of Piraeus by purchasing four cars and two motorcycles for the Piraeus Police. The new vehicles will be used to strengthen the police fleet and patrols in the Piraeus area, with a focus on the 5th Municipal District, a densely populated and socially and economically degraded area. The goal is to enhance urban security and reduce crime through the proper evaluation and utilization of data collected during patrols. The procurement of these vehicles is expected to strengthen crime prevention measures in Piraeus according to the specifications of the BSFS project.
On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Hellenic Police held an open information day at the Municipal Theater of Piraeus where the patrol vehicles were presented to the public. The Mayor of Piraeus, Ioannis Moralis, and Deputy Mayors were in attendance, along with the Chairwoman of Piraeus’ Local Council for Crime Prevention, Ms. Kyriaki Bourdakou. The Director of the Piraeus Police Department, Brigadier Protosialos Kostazos, spoke about the value of the project for the local police departments and representatives of the Hellenic Police Headquarters were also present to support this action.
Overall, the BSFS's investment in these new vehicles is a valuable step towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all.
Urban security
