Crime Attraction and Deterrence in Small Communities: Theory and Results

Simon Hakim; Arie Ovadia; J. Weinblatt

doi:10.1177/016001767800300204

Crime Attraction and Deterrence in Small Communities: Theory and Results

Simon Hakim, Arie Ovadia, J. Weinblatt

Department of Economics

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study analyzes the distribution of property crimes among small communities within a metropolitan area. We have tested whether a pool of criminals operating within a metropolitan area allocates its aggregate activity according to a rational pattern. The theoretical model based on utility maximization shows that, given a set of relatively reasonable assumptions, the number of offenses is positively related to the potential criminal gains and negatively related to police effectiveness. Community characteristics affect the level of criminal activity in each community, an hypothesis which is supported by the empirical results pre sented here. The concentration of wealth and commercial activities attracts crime, whereas the clearance rate deters crime.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	153-163
Number of pages	11
Journal	International Regional Science Review
Volume	3
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/016001767800300204
State	Published - 1 Jan 1978

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Environmental Science (all)
Social Sciences (all)

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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Crime Attraction and Deterrence in Small Communities: Theory and Results

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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