Karen F. Vans is a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work Studies, University of Liverpool, UK. Her research has addressed the following areas: city spaces; crime; community; and cyberspace. Her recent publications include "Zero Tolerance or Community Tolerance; Managing Crime in High Crime Areas" (co-author with S.Walklate), and "A Tale of Two Cities; Global Change, Local Feeling and Everyday Life in the North of England" (co-authored with I.Taylor & P.Fraser).