Legal Definitions - geography of crime

The term geography of crime refers to a field of study that examines the spatial patterns of criminal activity. It investigates where crimes occur, why they occur in those specific locations, and how the physical and social characteristics of an environment influence criminal behavior and victimization. This discipline analyzes factors such as urban design, land use, population density, and the distribution of resources or facilities to understand the relationship between location and crime.

• Example 1: Retail Shoplifting Hotspots

  A large department store notices that shoplifting incidents are disproportionately high in its electronics and cosmetics sections, particularly during peak shopping hours. A geography of crime analysis might map these incidents, revealing that these sections are often located near store exits, have numerous blind spots not covered by security cameras, or are designed with narrow aisles that make surveillance difficult for staff. The study could also consider the surrounding urban environment, such as the store's proximity to public transportation hubs that facilitate quick getaways for offenders.

  How it illustrates: This example demonstrates the geography of crime by focusing on the *specific spatial distribution* of shoplifting within a retail environment. It analyzes how the physical layout of the store (blind spots, aisle design, proximity to exits) and its external location (public transport access) create opportunities for crime in particular areas, linking environmental factors directly to criminal activity.

• Example 2: Residential Burglary Patterns

  A suburban police department observes a cluster of residential burglaries in a particular neighborhood. A geography of crime investigation might reveal that these homes are often corner properties, back onto undeveloped green spaces, or are situated on streets with limited through-traffic, making them less visible to neighbors. The analysis might also consider the presence of overgrown landscaping that provides cover for intruders or a lack of community watch programs in those specific blocks.

  How it illustrates: This scenario highlights how the physical characteristics of a residential area (corner lots, proximity to open spaces, street layout, landscaping) and social factors (lack of surveillance) contribute to its vulnerability to crime. By mapping the burglaries and correlating them with these environmental features, the study uses the principles of the geography of crime to understand why certain homes are more susceptible based on their location and surroundings.

• Example 3: Public Transportation Safety

  City officials are concerned about an increase in minor assaults and harassment incidents occurring on public buses and at bus stops. A geography of crime study might analyze incident reports, identifying that these events are more frequent on specific bus routes that pass through areas with high concentrations of bars or late-night entertainment venues, especially during weekend evenings. It might also pinpoint bus stops that are poorly lit, isolated, or lack emergency call boxes, making them perceived as less safe.

  How it illustrates: This example applies the geography of crime by examining how the *routes and specific locations* within a public transportation system are linked to crime. It considers how the surrounding land use (bars, entertainment) and the physical characteristics of bus stops (lighting, isolation) create spatial conditions that influence the likelihood of certain types of criminal behavior, demonstrating the interplay between environment and crime.