NCJ Number
238341
Date Published
2011
Length
322 pages
Annotation
This book presents the results of a study that examined the relationship between bus stops, businesses, and five offense types in Newark, NJ.
Abstract
The book presents the results of study that investigated whether bus stops located near certain types of businesses increased opportunities for certain types of crime at those locations. The study examined whether areas in Newark, NJ, with and without bus stops and commercial establishments saw an increase five offense types: robbery, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, theft from motor vehicle, and burglary. Data for the study were obtained from several sources: 2007 crime data from the Newark City Police Department, Verizon's 2007 Yellow Book database showing a listing of commercial establishments in New Jersey; 2007 New Jersey Transit bus stop locations; and parcel and zoning data for Newark for 2006-2007. Spatial data analysis and regression analysis were used to examine the impact that bus stops and commercial establishments have on crime rates. Analyses of the data indicate that overall, the presence of bus stops and commercial establishments increased opportunities for crime across all five offense types, and that retail establishments, specifically food stores, had a stronger influence on all crime categories compared to service establishments. Study limitations are discussed. 61 tables, 29 figures, 5 appendixes, 124 references, and index