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High levels of Fear of Crime (FOC) are associated with people engaging with their community less, lower use of public spaces, and a general sense of overall anxiety. In short, such fear may reduce the livability of an area. The primary goal of this research was to examine the potential consequences of environmental interventions intended to reduce crime on FOC and perceived livability of the area. Using immersive Virtual Reality (VR) technology, in two studies we examined how environmental interventions in residential neighborhoods influence FOC. In Study 1, we examined how motion-activated, dynamic street lighting and sound may decrease FOC. In Study 2, we applied an adapted 'watching eyes' intervention and examined how it may inadvertently increase FOC in a neighborhood. In Study 1 the intervention did not affect feelings of safety. In Study 2, the 'watching eyes' intervention indirectly increased FOC via feelings of being watched. In the Discussion, we highlight the importance of better understanding the boundary conditions of such environmental interventions. • In two Virtual Reality Experiments we examined how environmental interventions influence Fear of Crime. • In study 1, manipulated lighting and sound did not influence Fear of crime. • In study 2, a Watching-eyes intervention indirectly increased Fear of Crime via feelings of being watched. • Watching-eyes interventions aimed at reducing crime may indirectly increase the Fear of Crime. • Researchers should examine the boundary conditions and potential unintended consequences of environmental interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]