Broken windows theory posits that signs of urban decay signal not being monitored, encouraging more destructive criminal behavior. Which statement best captures this idea?

• A. Increased policing in decayed areas has no effect on crime.
• B. Urban decay reduces crime by dispersing criminals.
• C. Community programs in decayed neighborhoods increase decay.
• D. Signs of neglected housing lead to increased crime.

Answer: (D)

The main concept being tested is that visible signs of disorder and neglect in a neighborhood signal that nobody is monitoring the area, which lowers informal social controls and can invite more crime.

The statement about signs of neglected housing leading to increased crime best captures this idea because it directly ties observable neglect to a rise in criminal activity, reflecting how disorder or decay signals to would-be offenders that supervision is lax and opportunities for crime may go unchecked.

The other options miss this connection: claiming policing has no effect contradicts the idea that environment and supervision influence behavior; saying decay disperses criminals suggests the opposite of what the theory argues; and asserting that community programs increase decay is not aligned with the concept that neglect and disorder contribute to crime.