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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
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