Security aspects of gated community housing and the concept of save townships

Abstract

Crime is often associated with urban development as urban areas tend to be at greater risk security-wise as compared with other areas. This is the reality of an increasing population crowding into the cities, and fomenting crime in the process. The physical design of the environment also contributes to the escalating crime rate, resulting in fear and anxiety among the residents. The “Safe Township” concept is an approach to resolving the issue of security in urban areas. It is an agenda within the concept of liveable cities that focuses principally on the problems of urban security. The development of properties within the concept of Gated Community housing is considered a step towards protecting residents in a residential area. The development of fenced Gated Community housing equipped with full-time security facilities is among the strategies in implementing the concept of the Safe Township. This paper discusses the security features in the Gated Community housing development as measures to combat crime in line with the implementation of the Safe Township concept. This study adopts an investigative methodology that combines theory with case studies. The compilation of data was made through literature search, interviews with representatives from the Town Planning Department and data were also collected through observations of Gated Community housing schemes in Johor Bahru.