NCJ Number
197844
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: 2002 Pages: 41-61
Editor(s)
Bonnie S. Fisher,
Martin Gill
Date Published
2002
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined the concentration of environmental and situational factors at the block level that influence the selection of crime targets by burglars in high-crime zones.
Abstract
This report provides a brief overview of commercial burglary as an understudied phenomenon and examines burglary rates in the suburban city of Redlands, CA, in particular. Topics covered include situational and environmental cues associated with commercial burglary; methodological considerations using the blended approach to crime analysis; community-level analysis: concentrations of human activity; contextual analysis; and policy implications. This research found accessibility to be the most important target selection factor. The implications of these findings for policymaking suggest that zoning and planning initiatives impact crime patterns and it is essential that city planners, developers, and law enforcement work together to devise public safety management schemes when planning development projects. Figures include zoning distribution in relation to commercial burglary zones in Redlands, CA, and the concentration of liquor licenses in relation to high commercial burglary zones in Redlands, CA. Tables include a comparison of Redlands, CA, with selected geographic areas on economic, demographic, and crime statistics; and operationalization of key variables affecting target selection preferences of commercial burglars. Also included are the Pearson correlation matrix for the study variables; comparing the difference of means for study groups on each factor affecting vulnerability; and logistical regression estimates to assess predictive effects of the vulnerability model, all for the Redlands commercial burglary project, 2001. 47 Notes