Studies investigating the positive effect that improved street lightin
g has on crime and the fear of crime have become remarkably popular. I
mpressive results have regularly been reported. However, while most us
e the 'before-and-after' interview format, many neglect to have a long
enough follow-up period or to control for the effect that interviewin
g at different times of the year may have. The study reported here is
based on a twelve-month follow-up period, and controls exactly for tim
e of year at follow-up interview stage. Further, in addition to religh
ting the area surrounding the homes of respondents, other external env
ironmental improvements were effected, and the security precautions of
the homes of respondents were substantially improved. In spite of thi
s, little improvement in victimization or fear of victimization could
be documented. Some improvement might have been noticed had respondent
s been consulted when the nature and type of improvements were being p
lanned. It is more likely that improved street lighting is no panacea
for all ills, and may only be effective under certain conditions.