Police in the U.K. have successfully reduced theft and shoplifting rates over time by putting up images of people staring out; the technique is thought to trigger humans’ innate ability to know if someone is looking at them, which could encourage better behavior.

Crime deterrents come in many forms like cameras and security guards, but there’s a surprising method that relies largely on psychology. 


Images of eyes looking out have been shown to make people behave. 


Posters with eyes have helped one U.K. police department reduce thefts by 40 percent over a roughly 7-year period. 


Similar efforts helped another U.K. law enforcement unit deter shoplifting