The effect of altitude and slope on the spatial patterning of burglary

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
University of Canterbury. Geography
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2012
Authors
Breetzke, G.D.
Abstract

Physical geography is significant for crime, and its presence or absence, yet no studies have investigated the relationship between crime and certain broader features of physical geography such as altitude, and slope. In this study I attempt to fill this gap by using OLS and geographically weighted regression to gauge the effect of altitude and slope on burglary patterns in Tshwane, South Africa. In the analysis I found considerable evidence that residing at a greater altitude reduces your risk of burglary victimization, although residing on steeper slopes had no effect. In the discussion I argue that the underlying relief and terrain on which neighborhoods are built should form an essential 'physical' component of the environmental backcloth that surrounds offenders and influences their spatial decision making processes.

Description
Citation
Breetzke, G.D (2012) The effect of altitude and slope on the spatial patterning of burglary. Applied Geography, 34, pp. 66-75.
Keywords
burglary, altitude, slope, topography, South Africa
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Field of Research::04 - Earth Sciences::0406 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
Field of Research::16 - Studies in Human Society::1602 - Criminology
Rights