Anti Crime Wave: Secure Design for Safer Travel

DACRC worked with British Designers Adam Thorpe and Joe Hunter from Vexed Generation to produce Europe’s first range of crime-proof bags and fashion accessories. The stylish products, marketed under the brand Karrysafe, were shown at Milan’s Designers Block. The products were developed in response to research led by Lorraine Gamman on bag theft. Designs were specifically focussed on protecting owners from pickpockets and muggers, preventing the four most common street crimes: dipping, lifting, slashing and grabbing. On display were the Karrysafe Screamer and Hoodsack backpacks, the Scroll Top backpack and shoulder bag and PhoneSafe and BodySafe accessories.

To raise awareness about crime issues, DACRC involved the public to help make a difference through engagement at Victoria and Waterloo mainline stations in London. The Anti Crime Wave, an installation curated by Lorraine Gamman, gave passers-by information regarding crime issues. The public were able to fill in a comment form to let DACRC know what crime issues they felt should be tackled with priority.