[labster]

Lots of anecdata here but no actual data. If it’s just something that moves crime around, then it’s just people lowering their personal risk to let others pay the externalities. Or maybe external lights reduce the absolute amount of crime. I don’t know.

[seanmcdirmid]

What kind of data do you want? It isn't like this can be funneled through a controlled experiment, but non-personal security (military, corporate, etc...) has always relied on extensive outdoor lighting to deter theft. My guess is that it is always just a game of whack a mole (the amount of crime stays the same, it just gravitates to less protected houses or less protected neighborhoods).