Crime in the Third Dimension: a Study of Burglary Patterns in a High-density Residential Area.
Year: 1991
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This exploratory study examines the pattern of target selection for residential burglary in a high density neighbourhood in Vancouver, British Columbia.It specifically examines the burglary (break and enter) rates of apartment suites and buildings in relation to the travel paths of potential offenders.Targets may be selected by burglars, in part, because of the proximity of the apartment suite to normal travel paths.Travel paths and crime patterns may be viewed at varying levels of aggregation, from macro levels such as "neighbourhood" to such micro levels as the apartment building.This thesis focuses on the micro level of analysis.Beginning with the assumption that ground floor suites are closer to the travel paths of potential offenders than suites on upper floors, this study examines the burglary rates on different floor levels of apartment buildings.The burglaryJtrave1 path pattern is tested in a six by eight block high-rise residential area centrally located within the West End of Vancouver, British Columbia.A direct relationship is found between burglary rates in buildings and the proportion of the ground floor suites within buildings.The burglary rate increases as the proportion of ground floor suites increase.The rate also varies by building height, with ground floor apartment suites having the highest rates.The research also shows that burglary rates in this area of Vancouver do not vary by differences in overt security, in number and type of entrances, or by the amount of landscaping.As might be expected, these variables do not explain all of the variance in the burglary rates.Further in depth research exploring more about travel paths, accessibility and target choice is necessary.As well, further analysis of what attracts potential burglars to an area is needed.iii One special person who is responsible for my return to graduate school after so many years and who deserves extra special acknowledgement is my supervisor, Dr. Patricia Brantingham.Her motivation, support and good humour along with her constructive criticism, helpful suggestions and gentle guidance helped me bring this long standing project to a successful conclusion.Dr. Paul Brantingham provided positive reinforcement and was always available for assistance.His final editing comments on this thesis were greatly needed and appreciated.To George, my husband and good friend, a special thanks for his continued belief and support in my endeavour.He undauntedly assumed responsibility for two small children and put up with my sometimes erratic behaviour while I immersed myself in this process called "graduate school".A warm "thank you" is for Juliette Corrigan.Her encouragement of my work and the patience and loving care with which she gave my family for days on end will always be remembered.Thanks to Debbi Alexander, who was always ready to share her energy, her time and her assistance whenever needed.Since returning to graduate school, I have made many new friends and the encouragement and support I have received is overwhelming.Paul Wong assisted in compiling charts and tables for this thesis.And even more important, his sense of humour helped me to keep matters in perspective
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Author: Diane Bernard-Butcher
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2115230226