Sporting Events and the Spatial Patterning of Crime in South Africa: Local Interpretations and International Implications

• NCJ Number: 243851
• Journal: Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 387-420
• Author(s): Gregory Breetzke; Ellen G. Cohn
• Date Published: July 2013
• Length: 34 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

This study investigated the impact of sporting events on crime levels in Tshwane, South Africa.

Abstract

Using crime data from 2001 to 2006, the study determined whether crime levels increased throughout Tshwane as a whole as well as within certain buffer distances around the Loftus Versfeld stadium on game days compared to non-game days. Findings showed an increase in overall crime in Tshwane on game days, but when specific types of crime were examined, the association between sporting events and crime levels in Tshwane varied depending on the spatial level under investigation. Explanations for these findings are provided based on routine activities theory linked with knowledge of the socio-demographics of sports fans in South Africa. The study concludes by outlining some international implications of study results for law enforcement agencies tasked with policing cities during major sporting events. (Published Abstract)