NCJ Number
175853
Journal
International Journal of Police Science & Management Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: September 1998 Pages: 109-121
Date Published
1998
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article investigates changes in criminal activity as a result of a redevelopment program initiated by a district council and local police authority.
Abstract
A housing development underwent changes in environmental and residential design as part of a campaign to reduce criminal activity. Burglary, criminal damage, theft of a motor vehicle and theft from a motor vehicle were assessed before and after implementation of the program. Problems in analyzing qualitative data were overcome by using a non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis, Partial Order Scalogram Analysis. The crime site profiles of all four offenses were qualitatively and quantitatively different in the new development. Where access by both roads and footpaths had been restricted, the crime site profile changed favoring features such as a corner and terraced properties and identifying a new, vulnerable property. Reported offenses relating to motor vehicles were reduced significantly. However, incidence of both burglary and criminal damage increased. This shift was an example of "displacement theory," as restrictions imposed in the new development resulted in displacement of criminal activity toward an alternative offense. Tables, figures, references