Introduction to Micro-spatial Analysis
The physical and spatial environment has an impact upon crime levels (micro-spatial
analysis). Simply mapping incidents by clusters or hotspots is not enough. Partnerships
need to ask why incidents occur in certain properties or certain situations. Therefore
it is important to look at these aspects when analysing and explaining crime figures
and patterns.
Recent Home Office research found that the measure that made the most positive
difference to (self-assessed) success in a problem-solving initiative was the conduct
of analysis of location (Home Office 2000: 6-7).
This section summarises the type of analysis which can be done to assess whether
the physical or spatial environment is creating a crime problem.
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Case study: Burglary and spatial layout
A recent research study illustrates what can be achieved through
spatial analysis of the location of a crime. In order to understand why residential
burglaries were more common in some areas than others, Hillier and Shu described the
spatial layouts of properties that have been burgled in order to understand how particular
layouts might facilitate or deter crime. They examined:
Through detailed spatial analysis Hiller and Shu found that the type of public
spaces from which burglary was least likely to occur were ‘through carriageways,
with good movement potential and visual links, and with a good number of line neighbours
opening on to both sides of the carriageway’. In other words: the common or garden
street!
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The type of public space from which burglary was most likely to occur were
‘dead-end footpaths with little movement and visibility and few line neighbours’.
Hillier and Shu’s conclusions were only possible by detailed spatial analysis. They
could not have reached such conclusions by simply mapping burglaries using postal
addresses. Such information would not have revealed how burglarised properties were
entered.
For more information see Hillier, B. and Shu, S. (2000) ‘Crime and Urban Layout:
The Need for Evidence’ in Ballintyne, S., Pease, K. and McLaren, V. Secure Foundations:
Key Issues in Crime Prevention, Crime Reduction and Community Safety London: IPPR
Back to Micro-spatial and temporal analysis
Back to Data Analysis
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