In a 1982 article, social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling introduced their “broken windows” theory.  The “broken windows” theory of police work goes something like this: Criminals see untended broken windows in a neighborhood, assume neglect, and further assume that they can get away with more in a run-down locale than in one in which they see no signs of neglect.  Blight breeds crime.  A corollary to that theory is that by enforcing petty crimes, you prevent people from making a career of crime and progressing up the ladder to more serious and harmful crimes.

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