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Abstract: Hot spot analysis has been used for many years to identify locations where crime is a concern and where resources can be distributed in a timely and targeted manner. While the hot spot approach focuses attention on preventing what we don’t want (high levels/concentrations of crime and fear of crime), we may be missing insights into why cold spot locations are successful. An in-parallel hot/cold spot approach would also focus on what we do want (safety, amenity, liveability, and resilience). We explore the relatively under-researched area of crime cold spots and advance the concept of a non-binary ‘crime heat spectrum’ that contains and expands hot/cold spots. We also demonstrate how this ‘crime heat spectrum’ can be linked to formal risk management methodology (ISO31000) to help quantify and manage ‘spots’ and better inform crime prevention strategies, planning and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). PubDate: 2025-04-07
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Abstract: Research has highlighted gaps in the publics ‘awareness of burglar behaviour and their perceptions of vulnerability, perhaps indicating a need for further prevention training. No such research exists examining students’ awareness, but is vital given students’ relatively high levels of burglary victimisation. To provide this research, students were asked to complete a mock burglary in a simulated environment, with burglary awareness inferred based on their performance relative to previous experienced burglars. Further context was added by qualitatively analysing participants’ verbalisations during the task. Performance was also compared between first and third year undergraduates to further examine differences in awareness across student populations. No significant differences were found between the behaviour of first and third years. Nevertheless, both groups showed an overall limited understanding of burglary behaviour through their performance and verbalisations. Results demonstrate that raising awareness of victimisation and burglary behaviour is integral to improve the safety of University students. PubDate: 2025-02-05
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Abstract: Spatio-temporal aspect is the most useful aspect of crime prevention as it is patterned and predictable. This study is mainly conducted to explore the spatio-temporal hotspots of burglary and to test whether spaces of burglary are constrained by time in Ahmednagar city. The temporal hotspots are identified by their frequency in hours. Spatial hotspots within identified temporal hotspots are visualized through GIS maps prepared using Kernel density estimation with natural break methods. The current results and their probable causation are compared with the theories in crime geography and discussed thoroughly. The burglary hotspots in Ahmednagar city are found to vary by space–time together than individual space or time. Spaces of burglary hotspots in Ahmednagar city are found unstable over time indicating that spatial hotspots of burglary are constrained by temporal hotspots. Consistent with existing literature, probable causation behind spatio-temporal variation and temporal constraint of burglary hotspots is closely associated with the combined effect of the land use pattern of the area, movement of mass population within the area, distribution of targets and offenders in the area, and socio-economic condition of the area. This study proposes tailored measures for each burglary hotspot, considering their unique spatial, temporal, socio-economic, and environmental characteristics, to effectively reduce, control, and prevent burglary incidents in the respective areas. PubDate: 2025-01-29
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Abstract: Despite decades of research on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), the specific impact of its dimensions on fear of crime (FoC) remains under-examined. This study investigates these effects by analyzing responses from 460 participants who evaluated photographs and completed the Situational Fear of Crime Scale for Public Spaces (SFS-Scale). The findings reveal that deficiencies in natural surveillance, followed by a lack of territoriality, are linked to heightened FoC. Moreover, natural surveillance emerged as a more significant predictor of FoC compared to territoriality. Additionally, police officers and military personnel reported lower levels of FoC than the general public. The study highlights the importance of understanding how CPTED dimensions shape public perceptions of safety. It also offers practical insights for the development of targeted public security policies. These findings suggest that CPTED principles can play a crucial role in reducing fear of crime and enhancing public safety in urban settings. PubDate: 2025-01-27
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Abstract: This research addresses the potential for tackling crime volumes and improving crime analytics through new enhancement strategies. The use of machine learning and deep learning solutions is increasing in crime prediction, as in many other fields. This study aims to strengthen proactive approaches in criminology by evaluating the effectiveness of the stacking-based ensemble learning (S-BEL) model, which aims to enhance overall performance by combining the strengths of various algorithms to improve crime analytics and facilitate crime prevention strategies. The study analyzes six studies leveraging the S-BEL model for crime prediction, along with 28 research articles on crime prediction, seven studies utilizing ensemble learning models, and 56 research articles leveraging the S-BEL model in general prediction studies. The findings of the study highlight that S-BEL stands out as a prominent technique in crime prediction, providing valuable insights for law enforcement. PubDate: 2024-11-20
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Abstract: Climate change is a globally significant issue. How we respond and adapt to it, will have implications for thousands of years (IPCC, 2023). This paper explores linkages between climate change and crime to contribute knowledge to this significantly under-researched area of study. We highlight five ways climate change and crime are linked and use place-based theories from environmental criminology and an environmental horizon scanning process to help develop best practice. We call on environmental criminology, situational crime prevention and crime prevention through environmental design to adopt longer-term perspectives and apply situationally bespoke thinking and responses to help mitigate against the effects of global warming and support the planning, design, development, and maintenance of more sustainable and resilient cities in a collaborative way. PubDate: 2024-11-14
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Abstract: While risk of crime and perceptions of safety have been regularly addressed by criminologists, this has rarely extended to asking how those considering or taking vacations perceive their security. In contrast, tourism researchers regularly focus on perceptions of safety, but define this more broadly. This paper melds the two disciplines by considering which destinations UK residents perceived as unsafe and why. The research used a crowdsourcing platform to collect citizens’ perceptions of safety with regard to crime, terrorism/political disorder and health problems at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest that health problems were seen as the greatest risk. Mexico, Egypt and the USA were seen as the most risky country to visit overall, but in many respects UK respondents’ perceptions of safe destinations differed subtly from their US counterparts questioned in a parallel survey. Variations in perceptions of safety between subgroups of respondents were greatest for crime, again contrasting with the US findings. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that fear of crime is associated with features of everyday life that are less relevant to tourism destinations than for citizens’ routine lifestyles. PubDate: 2024-11-02
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Abstract: Raising awareness to combat scams has become a central strategy of fraud/scam prevention. Using data from a wider evaluation of a targeted campaign to improve fraud prevention and awareness for older adults predominantly over 75, this paper offers findings on the most effective means of dissemination of anti-scam communications to this group. The paper draws upon almost 1000 questionnaire responses and qualitative data from older adults, as well as volunteers and workers involved in the project. The research finds many older adults have not received any fraud prevention or awareness communications in the prior six months, illustrating a gap in fraud prevention messaging reaching this group. The paper also shows that the preferred method of dissemination is one-to-one through friends and family and that is also the case for the most isolated. The paper offers some potential solutions to address these gaps, particularly for lonely older adults. PubDate: 2024-10-23
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Abstract: Recently, Japan has been grappling with various forms of consumer fraud. Consumer fraud victimization causes not only monetary losses but also nonmonetary costs such as emotional stress and psychological trauma. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the factors associated with the risk of consumer fraud victimization in order to identify vulnerable groups and implement suitable prevention measures. Consequently, this study aims to analyze the sociodemographic and routine activity factors associated with consumer fraud victimization risk in Japan. Drawing on data from a social survey of residents in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, this study employs a series of logistic regression models. This study demonstrates that while using social networking services is unrelated to respondents’ likelihood of experiencing consumer fraud victimization, the frequency of contacting individuals whom respondents have only met online was statistically linked to increased consumer fraud risk. Additionally, only 10.7 to 31.9% of respondents were aware of the available support services for victims of consumer fraud and related issues. This study proposes that social networking providers could aid in preventing consumer fraud by displaying warning messages when users send messages, alerting them to possible threats. PubDate: 2024-10-15
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Abstract: Despite increasing evidence on the exploitation of young people into criminal activity, their perspectives on and experiences of exploitative processes are not well understood. Despite progress in Great Britain with regard to ‘County Lines’ exploitation, and in the Republic of Ireland regarding youth criminality and grooming, the subjective accounts of how young people understand the phenomenon of child criminal exploitation (CCE) remain under-evaluated. This exploratory study captures the perspectives of Irish youth on CCE and draws on the theory of social capital to explore the social structures that enable CCE and the (limited) choices available to the young people. PubDate: 2024-08-13
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Abstract: Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are an initiative adopted by some local governments, businesses, and residents to address concerns around crime and disorder in commercial areas, especially open street town centres. BIDs have become popular in the USA since the 1970s; however, no comprehensive review of evaluations has occurred to date. This paper systematically reviewed the academic literature to find 13 BID evaluations. These studies were examined in terms of their impacts on crime and disorder, displacement, and cost-effectiveness. Of the nine studies that quantitatively examined BID impacts on crime rates, eight (88%) found a reduction in one or more crime types. Six studies explored BID impacts on property crime, with all finding BIDs had a significant negative association with at least one type of property crime, with BIDs particularly effective at targeting vehicle-related offences. BIDs were also found to have a positive impact on reducing disorder and public nuisance type offences, however, had mixed evidence on violent crime, with three out of seven studies on violent crime finding BIDs can help to prevent robbery. Displacement of crime to surrounding areas was found to be rare, and the three studies that examined costs of operating BIDs all concluded they are cost-effective. The challenges of implementing BIDs are discussed, along with the implications for ongoing policy and practice development in the reduction of crime and disorder in commercial areas. PubDate: 2024-08-09
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Abstract: In the last decade, cases of radioactive isotope theft have been observed more frequently in Mexico, endangering human health, biodiversity, and the environment due to the risks of mishandling radioactive isotopes. The aim of this study was to analyze the theft of radioactive isotopes in Mexico in the period 2011–2023 from the perspective of green criminology through official data and radiological emergency bulletins. The results show that the most frequently stolen isotopes were 192Ir, 137Cs, and 131I in this study period, and it was also identified that the isotopes are stolen unintentionally, since it is the vehicles that transport them that are stolen, most of the time without knowing what they contain. It is concluded that the theft of radioactive isotopes in Mexico is a crime linked to vehicle theft, which in turn stems from the conditions of public insecurity but puts the health, safety and well-being of people, biodiversity, and the country's ecosystems at risk, so that institutional actions must be oriented considering the conditions of public insecurity to improve nuclear safety in the country. PubDate: 2024-08-09
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Abstract: This article explores the emerging problem of drug- and alcohol-impaired e-scooter riding. Fifteen government and e-scooter hire firm professionals from four jurisdictions (Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, Norway) described and assessed countermeasures designed to deter drug- and alcohol-impaired riding. Government professionals were from local/municipal councils, state and national departments of transport, and policing organisations. We used Braun and Clarke’s (Qual Res Psychol 18(3):328–352, 2020.https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1769238) six-step method of thematic analysis and the NVivo qualitative analysis software system to analyse the interviews. All participants said traditional police enforcement is ineffective because laws and regulations are underdeveloped, and police have limited resources for patrols. Thematic analysis grouped countermeasures into four themes: enforcement, education, encouragement, and the road environment. Third-party policing initiatives show promise. For example, local/municipal councils required e-scooter hire firms to ban e-scooters from areas that sell alcohol through GPS-based geofencing. However, geofencing and other regulatory controls do not extend to privately owned e-scooters, a growing sector in the market. Other countermeasures used a combination of education and behavioural change techniques (BCTs) to encourage compliance. For example, innovative nudge methods (a type of BCT) have potential to change dangerous riding behaviours by targeting riding norms. However, participants said some people will continue to ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs either because they are addicted to substances or exhibit high-risk behaviours. Government should therefore adopt laws and regulations that build a more forgiving road environment, based on the safe system approach, to limit injuries when crashes occur. PubDate: 2024-08-07
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Abstract: The current study examined how willing a non-probability sample of adults were to engage in hypothetical activities typical of County Lines, and whether involvement could be predicted by perceived risk factors. Of the 101 participants; 48% were willing to engage in activities that could lead to cuckooing, 63% to a coffee meet up, 50% to transferring money, 32% would accept free drugs, 56% would pay off a friend’s debt, whereas only 1% were willing to engage in the control scenario (a phone scam). Actual occurrences of these scenarios were also documented and occurred in approximately 1% of the sample. Males and people with greater drug use scores were more likely to endorse engagement in a County Lines scenario involving drugs, whilst greater drug use scores were only associated with a lower risk of a County Lines scenario involving lending money to a friend. Our findings suggest that drug use may predict endorsement to engage in some County Lines scenarios. However, given a small non-probability sample was used in the current study, further development of methodologies to capture the likelihood to engage in County Lines activities are needed. PubDate: 2024-08-06
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Abstract: The private security industry has become a central feature of the plural policing landscape in the United Kingdom. As such, it has received considerable attention in both academic and policy circles. Yet, perhaps surprisingly, there remain notable question marks over its precise size and shape. With this in mind, the article draws upon data from the Security Industry Authority and the Office of National Statistics Business Register and Employment Survey to measure the sector along three key dimensions: the number of private security officers, the number of companies and turnover. This novel methodological approach reveals a complex and contested picture of what the sector looks like at a fundamental level and, at the same time, allows for a reassessment of commonly deployed indicators such as growth rates and the ratio of private security officers to police officers during key time periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic. PubDate: 2024-08-05
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Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: This article aims to compare the pattern of responses obtained by a web-based and a paper-based survey used to investigate the transit safety of travellers in railway stations in Sweden. This aim is achieved by evaluating whether the response and the completion rates change as the surveys progress, assessing the effect of the survey mode on respondents’ answers (after controlling for the surveys’ internal consistency and differences in the samples), and the potential impact of the order of alternatives in multiple-choice questions on the responses. To carry out the study, a sample of 500 responses was taken from each population and later compared using a series of statistical tests. Findings indicate that despite the surveys’ high internal consistency, the prevalence of victimisation, fear of crime, and precautions detected in the web survey was higher than those found in the paper survey. The web survey shows a major drop just after the initial questions, while the paper survey shows a more stable pattern of responses, but was also affected by a single compulsory question that pushed the completion rate down. Finally, the order of alternatives in multiple-choice questions (fixed or random) did not affect the answers given by the respondents, providing a solid base for safety interventions in transit environments, regardless of survey mode. The article concludes by making suggestions for both research and practice. PubDate: 2024-06-18
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Abstract: This introduction aims to showcase the articles of the special issue and highlights the expansive field of environmental criminology, underscoring its role in understanding and preventing crime through situational and environmental strategies. This collection of articles covers a wide array of research from the USA, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay, demonstrating the global application of environmental criminology principles. Contributions from various disciplines illustrate the field’s multidisciplinary approach to tackling crime, particularly in the face of challenges posed by climate change and the need for social and economic sustainability. PubDate: 2024-05-10
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