Here's some more from my Psychology book: "Kelling was... known as a developer of the broken windows theory of crime (Kelling & Coles, 1996). According to this theory, crime is encouraged by physical evidence of chaos and lack of care. Broken windows, litter, graffiti, and the like send signals that disrespect for law, order, and the rights of residents is normal. People regularly exposed to such an environment can develop a "law of the jungle" mentality, which leads not just to more petty crime but to thefts and murders as well. By physically cleaning up the subways, streets, and vacant buildings, and by cracking down on petty crime, New York City authorities helped create a social environment that signaled that law and order are normal and lawbreaking is abnormal. That signal may have helped to reduce crimes of all sorts, ranging from littering to murder. People are motivated to behave in ways they see as normal."
Maybe on a smaller scale this principle applies: if you want people to respect your body, home, property or neighborhood then keep it clean and well cared for. Interesting... it's time to get the trash and piles of school books out of my car.
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