Do We Reap What We Zone? by Karen Hayslett-McCall (9783639103465)
Karen Hayslett-McCall
Release Date: 01 December 2008 Format: Paperback Pages: 140 Category: Human Geography Publisher: VDM Verlag ISBN: 9783639103465 ISBN-10: 3639103467
Routine activity theory suggests that neighborhood-level activity patterns influence crime rates, and that the convergence of three elements in space and time-a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian-result in increased likelihood of criminal events. As such, particular land-use patterns may explain why disadvantaged neighborhoods have higher crime rates than more advantaged areas. This monograph examines whether the effect of neighborhood disadvantage on crime may be a function of its association with land-use patterns. This research also examines whether land-uses have greater effects in disadvantaged neighborhoods. By understanding the effects of land-use, planners and managers could make changes in land-use patterns that decrease crime rates. Findings reveal that both social characteristics and several land-use patterns exhibited different degrees of influence within three research sites. Generally, the percent of land-use dedicated to commerce as well as some commercial institutions were significant predictors of robbery rates. However, types of commercial land and establishments varied by the study site.