C.Troise
Classical Music as a Tool Against Crime and Decay
Classical music has been used several times to fight crime and urban decay.
The issue of city safety concerns everyone. Combating decay, violence, and crime has always been a key focus of public policy, yet few have truly succeeded. Based on these ideas, some cities and businesses have implemented new initiatives: using classical music to deter criminal behavior. After all, as the Greeks said, music is a moral law valid for all.
This strategy dates back to 1985, when 7-Eleven decided to play classical music in their parking lots, reasoning that “this type of music is not very popular among teenagers, and it might keep them away from causing trouble in the store.” Since then, this tactic has been adopted in several U.S. cities, including Dallas, Seattle, and Portland, as well as in other countries such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. In New Zealand in 2009, Mozart managed to reduce the number of brawls in a pedestrian area from 77 to just 2.
The idea was also implemented in metro stations. Elm Park became the first subway stop to use classical music in 2003, in a station plagued by gang problems. Within 18 months, crime appeared to decrease: 33% fewer robberies, 25% fewer assaults on staff, and 37% less vandalism.
But why does this happen?
Although no definitive experiments have explained this phenomenon, some suggest it may be linked to dopamine production in the brain. When people listen to music they enjoy, dopamine levels increase, improving their mood. Conversely, if the music is unpleasant, dopamine production drops, causing individuals to move away from the source of the sound — and thus away from the location playing classical music.
Not everyone supports this idea. Critics argue that playing music at all hours can create noise pollution, while others suggest that offenders may simply relocate and commit crimes elsewhere.
It seems that composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and even atonal composers like Schönberg can help prevent a robbery, fight, or other acts of violence. However, despite the greatness of these composers, music alone is not enough to eliminate decay. Government involvement is essential, but even if authorities are absent, blasting Bach at full volume could still help a small neighborhood shop.
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