Mozart Effect to stop crime in New Zealand?

New Zealand shop-owners have found a novel way of deterring crime - the music of Mozart.

It is hoped that councillors in the Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand, will agree to pipe the music of Mozart out of speakers in the Willow Street bus stop area of the city in an attempt to deter criminal activity.



Retailers in the area have reported youths drinking, homeless people congregating in the area and violent behaviour. Police have increased patrols in the area, but to no avail.



'The Mozart Effect' is hoped to deter criminal activity and antisocial behaviour in the area, and was suggested by local resident Stephen Irving after he saw a similar scheme produce positive results in England.



Similar results have been seen elsewhere in New Zealand as well - the city of Christchurch uses classical music and speakers and reported a major drop in antisocial behaviour as a result.



Councillors are due to discuss the issue on March 18th.