Mapo-gu Operates 10 Routes of 'Women’s Safe Return Home Paths' Applying Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Continuous Maintenance and Replacement of Safe Return Path Road Markings, 112 Emergency Location Signs, and LED Security Lights

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Mapo-gu (District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) is continuously carrying out maintenance work on the Women’s Safe Return Routes to ensure women’s safe journeys home and to prevent related crimes.

Currently, Mapo-gu has designated 10 routes as ‘Women’s Safe Return Routes.’

The Mapo Police Station operated 18 routes from May 2015 but, due to local redevelopment and the formation of commercial areas, re-designated and has been operating 10 routes since March this year, strengthening patrols on each route.

According to the comprehensive plan for Women’s Safe Return Routes, Mapo-gu has recently completed maintenance and replacement work on these 10 routes, including 45 road markings applying Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), 51 emergency 112 call location signs, and 83 LED security lights.

In particular, the CPTED-applied road markings on the ‘Women’s Safe Return Routes’ are expected to significantly contribute to a safer environment by deterring criminals’ intent and providing psychological reassurance to women.

Additionally, the district utilizes Safe Return Scouts who accompany women on their way home late at night, conducting local patrols on the Women’s Safe Return Routes at least once a week.

Going forward, Mapo-gu and the Mapo Police Station plan to install additional women’s safety facilities such as logo lights (beam projector devices that project LED light through lenses engraved with letters or images onto the ground or walls) to illuminate dark streets at night.

Since 2014, the district has also been providing a service through the ‘Women’s Safe Return Scout’ program that accompanies women and youth?vulnerable groups to crime?who return home alone late at night.

A district official stated, “The satisfaction level among service users is high, and the number of users has increased every year. Last year, the number of accompanied return services more than doubled compared to the previous year, reaching 2,237 cases.”

Han Yeoreum (27), a resident of Gongdeok-dong, said, “I feel that the alleys leading home are becoming safer for me,” adding, “I always use the Safe Return Scout service when I’m out late at night because it’s such a good policy.”

Residents who wish to use the ‘Women’s Safe Return Scout’ service can apply via the Safe-i app on their smartphones at least 30 minutes before arriving at a subway station or bus stop, or by calling the Mapo-gu Comprehensive Situation Room or the 120 Dasan Call Center.

Yoo Dong-gyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “We will do our best to create an environment where residents who are relatively vulnerable to crime, such as women and youth, can safely walk the streets even during late-night hours.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.