DOCSLIB.ORG

Spatial Patterns of Neighbourhood Crime in Canadian Cities: the Influence of Neighbourhood and City Contexts

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Spatial Patterns of Neighbourhood Crime in Canadian Cities: the Influence of Neighbourhood and City Contexts Spatial Patterns of Neighbourhood Crime in Canadian Cities: The Influence of Neighbourhood and City Contexts by Xue Luo A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfilment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Geography Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2012 © Xue Luo 2012 Author’s Declaration I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii Abstract The main goal of this study is to investigate the spatial patterns of police-reported crime rates across select Canadian urban neighbourhoods and to explore their relationships with both neighbourhood- and city-level characteristics, as well as neighbourhood spatial dependence. Analyses were based on aggregated data from the 2001 Incident-Based Uniform Crime Reporting Survey (UCR2) and the Census of Population for six Canadian cities: Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Saskatoon, Thunder Bay and Toronto. Exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) was used to examine the spatial distribution of crime as well as to test for spatial dependence in the crime data. By using multilevel modelling and spatial regression techniques, neighbourhood violent and property crime rates were modeled respectively as a function of both city- and neighbourhood-level contextual variables while controlling for spatial dependence. The results show that crime is not distributed randomly, but tends to be concentrated in particular neighbourhoods, notably around the city centers of these cities. Neighbourhood variance in crime rates is not only dependent on local neighbourhood characteristics, but also on the characteristics of surrounding neighbourhoods, as well as the broader city environment where neighbourhoods are embedded. These findings suggest that strategies aimed at preventing or reducing crime should be developed in light of specific local neighbourhood contexts, while taking into account social forces external to the immediate neighbourhood in the wider social environment. iii Acknowledgements First, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr Su-Yin Tan, who has assisted me in the completion of this thesis by providing precious comments and insightful advice. Throughout my master study, she has always been there to help and encourage me. Her support and friendship is invaluable on both an academic and a personal level. I couldn’t wish for a better supervisor than her. Next, I want to acknowledge Richard Pinnell in the University Map Library, and Gretchen Gordon in Statistics Canada, who have helped me to obtain the crime data used in this study. Without their kindness and assistance, I could not even carry out this research. I am also grateful to Peter Deadman, Doug Dudycha, and John Michela for agreeing to be part of my thesis committee. I want to thank them for reading my thesis. Finally, I thank my family and friends for their love and support. In particular, thanks to my parents who always give me their unequivocal support, for which my mere expression of thanks does not suffice. iv Table of Contents Author’s Declaration .................................................................................................................... v Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ iii Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ...........................................................................................................................v List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. viii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ ix Chapter 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................1 1.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2. Structure of the Thesis ....................................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 2. Literature Review .......................................................................................................4 2.1. Theoretical Background for Crime and Social Context ..................................................................... 4 2.1.1. Strain/Anomie Theory ................................................................................................................ 5 2.1.2. Social Disorganization Theory ................................................................................................... 6 2.1.3. Routine Activity Theory ............................................................................................................ 9 2.2. Multilevel Studies of Crime ............................................................................................................ 11 2.3. Modeling Spatial Dependency of Crime ......................................................................................... 14 Chapter 3. Research Design .......................................................................................................17 3.1 Aim and Objectives of the Research ................................................................................................. 17 3.2. Study Area........................................................................................................................................ 18 3.3. Data and Measure ............................................................................................................................. 21 3.3.1. Crime Data ................................................................................................................................ 21 3.3.2. Census Data .............................................................................................................................. 24 3.3.3. Variables and Measures ............................................................................................................ 26 3.3.3.1. Dependent Variable: Crime Rate ..................................................................................... 26 3.3.3.2. Neighbourhood-level Independent Variables ................................................................. 27 3.3.3.2.1. Socioeconomic Characteristics ................................................................................. 28 3.3.3.2.2. Demographic Characteristics ..................................................................................... 29 3.3.3.2.3. Ethno-Cultural Characteristics ................................................................................... 30 3.3.3.2.4. Dwelling Characteristics ........................................................................................... 31 v 3.3.3.3. City-level Independent Variables .................................................................................... 31 Chapter 4. Methodology .............................................................................................................33 4.1. Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis .................................................................................................. 33 4.1.1. Data Visualization ..................................................................................................................... 34 4.1.2. Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis .............................................................................................. 34 4.2. Multilevel Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 38 4.2.1. Rationale for Multilevel Analysis ............................................................................................ 38 4.2.2. Model Specification ................................................................................................................. 40 4.2.2.1. The Rationale of Hierarchical Linear Models .................................................................. 40 4.2.2.2. Statistical Tests and Inferences ....................................................................................... 44 Chapter 5. Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis ..........................................................................48 5.1. Spatial Patterns of Crime within Cities ............................................................................................ 49 5.1.1. Spatial Distribution of Crime in the City of Edmonton ............................................................ 56 5.1.2. Spatial Distribution of Crime in the City of Saskatoon ............................................................ 57 5.1.3. Spatial Distribution of Crime in the City of Halifax ................................................................ 59 5.1.4. Spatial Distribution of Crime in the City of Thunder Bay ....................................................... 60 5.1.5. Spatial Distribution of Crime in the City of Montreal .............................................................. 62 5.1.6. Spatial Distribution of
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Associations Between Greenspace and Street Crimes in Toronto: Evidence from a Spatial Analysis Study at Dissemination Area Level
    Associations between Greenspace and street Crimes in Toronto: Evidence from a spatial analysis study at dissemination area level by Odunayo Onifade A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfilment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Geography Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2020 © Odunayo Onifade 2020 Author’s Declaration I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii Abstract Introduction: Earlier criminologists have explored various factors generating or attracting crime in urban cities coupled with crime studies focusing on the influence of social, built and natural environments in urban centres. According to Statistics Canada (2019), the Crime severity index of Canada and Toronto has been on the rise since 2014, which found the violent crime severity index showing higher trends than non-violent crime severity. This study, first, examined the crime trends and seasonality in Toronto. Next, the association between greenspace variables and street crime rates across the city at the dissemination level using the spatial statistical methods were explored. Previous crime studies have also investigated the relationship between the crime rate (property and violent) and greenspace, albeit this study only focused on analyzing crime that usually occurs outsides, namely “street crimes.” There are two schools of thought concerning the association between crime rates and greenspace. The first belief suggests greenspace facilitates criminal activities because it conceals the offender from the victims/bystanders, while the second belief insists that greenspace deter criminal activities.
    [Show full text]
  • YOUTH ARMED VIOLENCE INTERVENTIONS: the Caribbean and Its Toronto Diaspora
    YOUTH ARMED VIOLENCE INTERVENTIONS: The Caribbean and its Toronto Diaspora Sandra Chadwick-Parkes, PhD Project Ploughshares 57 Erb Street West Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2L 6C2 Tel: (519) 888-6541 Website: http//www.ploughshares.ca About this Paper This paper was prepared for the Small Arms Working Group of Peacebuild. Project Ploughshares was the Coordinator of the Small Arms Working Group from 2004 through to 2010. The paper is part of a series that explored the relationship between armed violence and development. Peacebuild Peacebuild, the Canadian Peacebuilding Network, is a member-based network of Canadian non-governmental organizations and institutions, academics and individuals engaged in a wide range of activities related to addressing the cause and consequences of violent conflict, Peacebuild 207-145 Spruce Street Ottawa, Ontario, KIR 6P1, Canada Tel: (613) 232-0647 www.peacebuild.ca Project Ploughshares Project Ploughshares is a non-governmental organization that works with churches, nongovernmental organizations, and governments, in Canada and abroad, to advance policies and actions that prevents war and armed violence and build peace. Project Ploughshares 57 Erb Street West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 6C2 Canada 519-888-6541 Fax: 519-888-0018 [email protected] www.ploughshares.ca Acknowledgment This research was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Disclaimer Peacebuild and Project Ploughshares Working Papers are published to contribute to public discussion and debate of peace and security issues. The views and policies presented in this paper are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the policies of Peacebuild, Project Ploughshares and its sponsoring churches and agencies, or the Canadian International Development Agency.
    [Show full text]
  • CRIME and INDIVIDUAL and NEIGHBOURHOOD SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS in the CITY of TORONTO BY: GABBY LEE BA Geographic Analysis, Ryerson University, 2016
    CRIME AND INDIVIDUAL AND NEIGHBOURHOOD SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN THE CITY OF TORONTO BY: GABBY LEE BA Geographic Analysis, Ryerson University, 2016 A MRP presented to Ryerson University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Spatial Analysis in the program of Spatial Analysis Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2017 ©Gabby Lee, 2017 Abstract: The overall objective of this study is to determine what neighbourhood and offender-related demographic characteristics impact crime rates in the City of Toronto. By doing so, quantitative and qualitative approaches were implemented in this study. This study includes both property and violent crime datasets from 2014-2016 and census related information from the 2011 Canadian Census. The advancing techniques of Geographical Information System (GIS) has been explored and applied to achieve a thorough understanding of crime occurrences and patterns in the city. Hotspot and Kernel Density mapping were applied to analyze the spatial distribution of crime occurrences and account for spatial autocorrelation. Findings revealed that property and violent crimes across the three years of study showed similar distribution of significant hotspots in the core, Northwest, and East end of the city. An Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression was conducted to examine the ways in which individual and neighbourhood demographic characteristics predict the effects of crime occurrences. The OLS model was a good predictor for offender-related demographics as opposed to neighbourhood level demographics at the 0.05 significant level. These findings revealed that social disadvantaged neighbourhood characteristics such as low income, unemployment, low education, female lone parent were poor predictors of property crimes but good predictors for violent crimes.
    [Show full text]
  • Race, Place and Crime Through the Lens of Toronto's Print Media By
    Race, Place and Crime through the Lens of Toronto’s Print Media By Vanessa N. Rhodes A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities Criminology University of Ontario Institute of Technology July 2015 © Vanessa N. Rhodes, 2015 RACE, PLACE AND CRIME IN MEDIA Abstract Geographical areas with high concentrations of impoverished racialized groups tend to experience disproportionate rates of violence in Canada. As news media heavily focuses on crime reports, violence often comes to characterize the affected neighbourhoods. News reports can impact audience levels of fear and scholars argue that disproportionate reporting of crime-related events can instil fear among the public. To date, there has been no study that examines a moral panic of neighbourhoods. Therefore, this thesis examines how the racialization of crime and the criminalization of place coalesce to create a moral panic of a neighbourhood. To examine the media’s role in creating fear, two Toronto newspapers were sampled over a 14-year period. A frame analysis was conducted to investigate how Toronto newspapers framed Kingston- Galloway between 1998-2012. Findings suggest that Toronto newspapers racialize crime and criminalize place, which may aid in the construction of a moral panic of a neighbourhood. Keywords: Crime, frame analysis, moral panic, race, racialization i RACE, PLACE AND CRIME IN MEDIA Acknowledgements I would first like to thank my committee members, Dr. Steven Downing and Dr. Carla Cesaroni for your support throughout this process. Also, Dr. Scot Wortley for your insight and thoughtful advice.
    [Show full text]
  • 2005 Environmental Scan
    22000055 EENNVVIIRROONNMMEENNTTAALL SSCCAANN AUGUST 2005 2005 Enviirronmenttall Scan TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE I. Demographic Trends Highlights.............................................................................................................1 A. Toronto Population..........................................................................................2 B. Age Structure of the Population.......................................................................3 C. Population Composition...................................................................................6 Immigration..............................................................................................6 Diversity...................................................................................................8 Language..................................................................................................11 Religion ....................................................................................................13 Income......................................................................................................14 D. Divisional Profiles...........................................................................................17 Recommendations/Implications for Police Service .............................................17 Chapter Appendix (Divisional Demographics)....................................................20 II. Crime Trends Highlights.............................................................................................................31
    [Show full text]
  • Race, Place and Crime Through the Lens of Toronto's Print Media By
    Race, Place and Crime through the Lens of Toronto’s Print Media By Vanessa N. Rhodes A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities Criminology University of Ontario Institute of Technology July 2015 © Vanessa N. Rhodes, 2015 RACE, PLACE AND CRIME IN MEDIA Abstract Geographical areas with high concentrations of impoverished racialized groups tend to experience disproportionate rates of violence in Canada. As news media heavily focuses on crime reports, violence often comes to characterize the affected neighbourhoods. News reports can impact audience levels of fear and scholars argue that disproportionate reporting of crime-related events can instil fear among the public. To date, there has been no study that examines a moral panic of neighbourhoods. Therefore, this thesis examines how the racialization of crime and the criminalization of place coalesce to create a moral panic of a neighbourhood. To examine the media’s role in creating fear, two Toronto newspapers were sampled over a 14-year period. A frame analysis was conducted to investigate how Toronto newspapers framed Kingston- Galloway between 1998-2012. Findings suggest that Toronto newspapers racialize crime and criminalize place, which may aid in the construction of a moral panic of a neighbourhood. Keywords: Crime, frame analysis, moral panic, race, racialization i RACE, PLACE AND CRIME IN MEDIA Acknowledgements I would first like to thank my committee members, Dr. Steven Downing and Dr. Carla Cesaroni for your support throughout this process. Also, Dr. Scot Wortley for your insight and thoughtful advice.
    [Show full text]
  • Community Violence in Toronto - Trends and Selected Demographic Patterns
    HL11.1 Attachment 1 Attachment 1: Community Violence in Toronto - Trends and Selected Demographic Patterns Table of Contents Background ..................................................................................................................... 2 Data sources ................................................................................................................ 2 Data limitations ............................................................................................................ 2 Key Findings ................................................................................................................... 3 Police-Reported Violent Crime in Toronto ....................................................................... 5 Trends in police-reported violent crime by sex ............................................................. 5 Trends in police-reported violent crime in Toronto and select Canadian cities ............ 7 Trends in police-reported violent crime by weapon causing injury ............................... 8 Trends in firearm-related violent crime by age group of the accused ........................... 9 Homicide Rates in Toronto ............................................................................................ 10 Trends in homicide rates by sex ................................................................................ 10 Firearm-related homicide rates in Toronto and select Canadian cities ...................... 11 Gang-related homicide victims and persons accused by age group and sex
    [Show full text]
  • Performance Measurement and Benchmarking Report
    2011 Performance Measurement and Benchmarking Report CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE MARCH 2013 NUMBER (000’S) COST ($) RATE (PER CAPITA) VOLUME (M3) DISTANCE (KM) FREQUENCY (%) AREA (HECTARES) TIME (MIN:SEC) 2011 Performance Measurement and Benchmarking Report TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Reference Introduction 1 Context How much and what types of taxes did an Ontario family pay in 2012? 2 How much tax did each order of government receive from the average 2 Ontario family in 2012? How did the City of Toronto spend its 8.9 percent share of taxes paid by 2-3 the average Toronto family in 2012? What's New in this Year's Report? 4 Summary of Toronto’s Performance Results 4 Internal Comparison of Toronto’s 2011 vs. 2010 results Service/activity level indicator trends 5 Performance measurement result trends 6-7 Comparing Toronto’s 2011 results externally to other Canadian municipalities Service/activity level indicators (quartile results) 8 Performance measurement results (quartile results) 9-10 Continuous Improvement Initiatives – What Actions are Toronto’s Service Areas Taking to Further Improve Operations and Performance Initiatives to improve customer service 11-12 Efficiency improvement initiatives 12-13 Initiatives to improve effectiveness 13-15 Initiatives to improve the quality of life of Torontonians 15 Other Methods of Assessing Toronto’s Progress Toronto’s award-winning initiatives 16 The City Manager's Awards for Toronto Public Service Excellence 16 Other indicator reports 17 Toronto in international rankings and reports 17-21 Global City
    [Show full text]
  • Community Violence, Trauma and Healing in the Jane and Finch Community
    Community Violence, Trauma and Healing in the Jane and Finch Community By Bianca Braganza Social Connectedness Fellow 2020 Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness In Partnership with the City of Toronto www.socialconnectedness.org August 2020 1 Table of Contents ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ 3 CITY OF TORONTO: LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT ....................................................... 3 COMMUNITY VIOLENCE AND COMMUNITY TRAUMA ................................................ 4 ROOT CAUSES OF COMMUNITY VIOLENCE .......................................................................... 4 PREVENTING COMMUNITY VIOLENCE THROUGH THE COMMUNITY SAFETY AND WELLBEING PLAN ................................................................................................................................ 6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................... 7 LOOKING TO OTHER INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH MODELS 7 THRIVE MODEL – LONDON .............................................................................................. 7 CAHOOTS MODEL .......................................................................................................... 8 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE: YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH IN JANE AND FINCH ............................................................................................................................... 10 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT .......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 11766 Cover V1.Indd
    2009 Performance Measurement and Benchmarking Report CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE M AY 2 0 1 1 NUMBER (000’S) COST ($) RATE (PER CAPITA) VOLUME (M3) DISTANCE (KM) FREQUENCY (%) AREA (HECTARES) TIME (MIN:SEC) 2009 Performance Measurement and Benchmarking Report TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Reference Introduction i Context i -iii How much and what types of taxes did an Ontario family pay in 2010? ii - iii How much tax did each order of government receive from the average ii - iii Ontario family in 2010? How did the City of Toronto spend its 7.6 per cent share of taxes paid ii - iii by the average Toronto family in 2010? Guide to the Summaries of Toronto’s Performance Measurement Results iv - x Toronto’s performance measurement framework for service delivery iv Comparing Toronto’s results internally over time iv -v Comparing Toronto’s results externally to other Ontario municipalities vi - vii How to interpret summaries of Toronto’s performance measurement viii - ix results Basis of costing used in this report x Overall Summary of Toronto’s Performance Measurement and xi - xv Benchmarking Results Comparing Toronto’s service/activity levels and performance xi - xii measurement trends internally (2009 vs. 2008 results) Comparing Toronto’s 2009 service/activity levels and performance xiii-xv results externally to other Ontario municipalities (quartile results) Continuous Improvement Initiatives - Actions Toronto’s Service Areas xvi – xvii are Taking to Further Improve Operations and Performance Initiatives to improve customer service and quality
    [Show full text]
  • The Social Ecology and Spatial Distribution of Lethal Violence in Toronto, 1988-2003
    THE SOCIAL ECOLOGY AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF LETHAL VIOLENCE IN TORONTO, 1988-2003 Sara Kerr Thompson A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy Centre of Criminology University of Toronto © Copyright by Sara Kerr Thompson (2009) Library and Archives Bibliotheque et 1*1 Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du Branch Patrimoine de I'edition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-55684-9 Our file Notre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-55684-9 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non­ L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library and permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Archives Canada to reproduce, Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public communicate to the public by par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, prefer, telecommunication or on the Internet, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le loan, distribute and sell theses monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur worldwide, for commercial or non­ support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou commercial purposes, in microform, autres formats. paper, electronic and/or any other formats. The author retains copyright L'auteur conserve la propriete du droit d'auteur ownership and moral rights in this et des droits moraux qui protege cette these. Ni thesis. Neither the thesis nor la these ni des extraits substantiels de celle-ci substantial extracts from it may be ne doivent etre imprimes ou autrement printed or otherwise reproduced reproduits sans son autorisation.
    [Show full text]
  • A Collective Approach to Eliminate Youth Violence
    From Analysis to Action: A Collective Approach To Eliminate Youth Violence A Report Prepared for the Youth Anti-Violence Task Force Yafet Tewelde York University Lekan Olawoye Executive Director, For Youth Initiative Table of Contents Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………… 3 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………. 4 Youth Violence in Perspective………………………………………………………... 5 Causes of Youth Violence…………………………………………………………..... 6 Economic Impact of Youth Violence…………………………………………………. 7 Youth Violence and Community Deprivation………………………………………. 8 A Collective Impact Approach to Reducing Youth Violence……………………. 9 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………… 12 Moving in the Right Direction through Collective Impact: Action Plan Goals. 12 Public Sector……………………………………………………………………………. 12 Non-profit Sector………………………………………………………………………. 13 Private Sector…………………………………………………………………………... 13 Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………. 16 Executive Summary Youth violence has plagued Toronto for far too long. This report advocates for a collective approach between government, private sector, community/social service agencies and city/faith leaders to effectively address the root causes of youth violence. A huge amount of work is happening across the City that has prompted increased interest from City leaders and highlighting the need for a more thoughtful, strategic approach to effectively reduce youth violence. Community leaders are developing campaigns, organizations are going to other jurisdictions to identify best practices, and youth are organizing in their communities with a myriad of innovative projects all in attempts to get a handle on this matter. It has become clear that it is not for a lack of trying that makes youth violence such a resilient issue in Toronto, but it is the lack of collective action. There are some groups of young people who experience violence more frequently than others; youth coming from socially isolated and financially deprived families are most often impacted by violence.
    [Show full text]