NCJ Number
133893
Journal
American Journal of Economics and Sociology Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1990) Pages: 483-494
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examines the effects on crime rates of the influx of large numbers of "strangers" (temporary inhabitants of an area) into a community.
Abstract
The sensitivity of six crime types (murder, rape, assault, robbery, burglary, and larceny) to density of "strangers" is estimated with a standard model of criminal behavior. The variables that reflect this density are measures of tourists, college students, shoppers from other areas, opportunities to consume alcohol, and the presence of interstate highway exits. The findings indicate that an increase in the number of strangers in an area has a positive effect on the crimes of burglary, larceny, and robbery, but very little effect on assault, murder, and rape. A significant finding is that "wet" counties (alcohol distribution is legal) have a higher incidence of each crime type than do "dry counties. Officials who support economic growth in urban areas should be aware that this brings the potential for increased crime, and they should therefore plan accordingly. 2 tables and a 23-item bibliography (Author abstract modified)