NCJ Number
124089
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 51-64
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
In studying the cause of crime, most criminologists have concentrated on traditional socio-demographic variables, such as age, sex, race, and socio-economic status.
Abstract
However, some researchers have investigated the influence of the physical environment on criminal behavior. There is a recent theoretical basis for research into the influence of weather on crime: the situational approach, rational choice theory, and routine activities theory all suggest that weather could significantly influence crime rates and criminal behavior. This paper brings together for the first time the accumulated research on weather and crime. It discusses the theoretical background, examines research into the influence of different weather conditions (such as high temperatures, rain, and wind) on various types of criminal behavior, outlines problems with the current research, and suggests ways of advancing knowledge about weather and crime. 41 references. (Publishers abstract)