Impact of Neighborhoods, Schools, and Malls on the Spatial Distribution of Property Damage

• NCJ Number: 179869
• Journal: Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Dated: November 1999 Pages: 393-422
• Author(s): Teresa C. LaGrange
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 30 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Canada Solicitor General; University of Alberta
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study uses principles derived from routine activities theory to predict the distribution of minor property crimes in a medium-sized Canadian city during a 1-year period.

Abstract

Mischief and vandalism incidents recorded by the local police, transit department and department of parks and recreation were aggregated by census enumeration area using mapping software. The data were analyzed in relation to three sets of predictors: (1) neighborhood demographic characteristics; (2) the proximity of shopping malls; and (3) the proximity of public and Catholic senior and junior high schools. The study examined similar patterns observed for the three types of damage in relation to the convergence of potential offenders, reduced guardianship and increased opportunity as derived from routine activities theory. Study results support the conclusion that situational opportunities presented by urban ecological features can account for variations in crime patterns. Tables, notes, references