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Keeping an eye on the villain: Assessing the impact of surveillance cameras on crime

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  • Ma, Hong
  • Xu, Mingzhi
  • You, Wei
  • Feng, Jinmei

Abstract

This study estimates the causal impact of the massive installation of surveillance cameras on crime, using novel data from China between 2014 and 2019. Leveraging the preexisting presence of local camera manufacturers as an instrument for camera deployment intensity, we find that cities with denser surveillance networks experienced significantly steeper declines in crime. The reduction is more pronounced for publicly visible crimes. Enhanced surveillance is linked to higher satisfaction with the government and a greater sense of security, which in turn leads to longer working hours. A back-of-envelope calculation shows that preventing a crime costs approximately $6,373, which is highly cost-effective.

Suggested Citation

  • Ma, Hong & Xu, Mingzhi & You, Wei & Feng, Jinmei, 2026. "Keeping an eye on the villain: Assessing the impact of surveillance cameras on crime," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:178:y:2026:i:c:s0304387825001087
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2025.103557
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