New Design to Cut Crime?

As the total amount of property that people own increases, so does the probability of loss of that property. These losses could be caused by theft or neglect but still represent a real disadvantage to the affected. The government of the UK is now urging designers to improve the design of items so that the number of thefts and crimes are reduced. This story by BBC News states that this has been encouraged by the reports that improvements in vehicle designs have reduced vehicle thefts by up to 51%. While I admit that I have not reviewed the data, it is pretty clear to me that this may indeed be a hasty generalization.

First, I am curious about the underlying assumptions and the tone of the government in seeking to compel designers to produce goods that meet that criteria especially since the public appears not to demand it yet. The reason here is that if that kind of theft-proof design were really in high demand, then the designers would have produced it without government intervention. Second, it is not clear either that the driving motivation for designers should be deflected from ease of use and enhancing user experience towards ensuring that a third party may not appropriate that good. Thirdly, the need for compliance with a rule that requires theft-proof equipment could raise the costs of equipment and products for those who do not wish to pay for that advantage.

In fairness, the article does not yet suggest that there will be compulsion for designers but I am worried by its tone because it suggests that the prevention of the theft of products should overwhelm other business considerations. To my mind, the potential for loss of valued property is part of the reason that insurance companies to exist and the upfront compulsion of design to reduce theft may not be the best way to spend the additional resources. Personal property is a tenet that i value highly but I must recall that the human element of carelessness explains a great amount of losses that people incur. That is unlikely to be reduced entirely by theft-proof design. The Home Office must be very hopeful that every mobile phone buyer will want to pay more for an improved design.