Cities that have installed more streetlights in previously dark neighborhoods have seen reductions in certain types of crime, particularly property crimes like car theft and burglary. Violent crime rates, however, showed little change. Researchers suggest that better lighting deters crimes that depend on anonymity but has less effect on crimes often committed by people known to victims.
It can be inferred from the text that
different types of crime may respond differently to environmental interventions
streetlights eliminated all crime in the studied neighborhoods
violent criminals are deterred by visibility
property crimes are more serious than violent crimes
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Property crime decreased while violent crime didn't change.
- Context clues: Property crimes reduced; violent crime showed "little change."
- Meaning: The same intervention affected different crimes differently.
- Verify: The explanation about anonymity-dependent versus relationship-based crime confirms different dynamics.
💡 Strategy: When an intervention has varied effects, infer that the targets respond differently.
Choice B is incorrect because only certain crimes were reduced. Choice C is incorrect because violent crime showed "little change" with more lighting. Choice D is incorrect because the passage doesn't compare crime seriousness.