NCJ Number
214182
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2005 Pages: 149-172
Date Published
2005
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study explored trends and spatial patterning of burglary in and among the four police precincts of Accra, Ghana.
Abstract
Overall, patterns of burglary emerged in both residential and nonresidential areas: burglaries clustered in particular areas during particular days, times, and seasons. From a theoretical standpoint, patterns of burglary in the area indicated that daily routine activities and lifestyles contributed to the opportunities for burglary, supporting the routine activities perspective. Burglary suspects tended to live in blighted areas and travel to more affluent areas to commit their offenses. Indeed, burglary was lowest in the most blighted study area. Burglary suspects were overwhelmingly male with a median age of 24 years, with little or no education or employment. Crime prevention strategies that interrupt the opportunities and the environments for the commission of burglary are recommended, as are increased police patrols and attitude changes among residents and business owners. Data on 2,825 burglary cases from 1980 to 1996 were drawn from the Criminal Data Services Bureau of the Ghana Police Service. Variables under analysis included demographic and background characteristics of the suspects and the ecological and temporal factors of the offenses, such as crime locations, burglary types, implements used, dates of offense, and clearance rates. Basic statistical analyses revealed the trends and patterning of burglary in the four police precincts. Future research should focus on the relationship between drug abuse and burglary. Tables, notes, references