Abstract. Safe public space and the problem of crime. The public sphere of contemporary urban areas is subject to evolutionary changes. More and more often, instead of being an open agora for civic debate, it beco-mes the arena of conflict, a potentially dangerous place.A housing development with typical high-rise buildings of the 1970-ties and 1980-ties poses a particularly serious threat to its inhabitants as it often paves the way for crime activity. As all other city or town dwel-lers, the offenders make use of the public sphere and its topography and amenities either facilitate or hinder their criminal activity. Majority of punishable acts are those committed in favourable circumstances such as easy access to a potential object of crime or a victim, lack of protection or lack of escape route.