Perceptions of crime hot-spots and real locations of crime incidents in two South African neighbourhoods

Abstract

South Africa is characterised by high levels of crime and fear of crime that manifests in various ways at a local community level. The fear of crime is influenced by levels of social and physical disorder and the nature of the built environment, while the actual crime incidents are influenced by the land-use patterns and presence of specific built environment elements such as the railway line. This paper explores the specific crime patterns and fear of crime in two neighbourhoods, Queenswood and Kilner Park, in the north-east of the City of Tshwane. The findings show that despite relatively high numbers of crime, and contrary to the view of law enforcement agents in the area, most community members do not display high levels of fear of crime. In addition, the use and avoidance of places in the neighbourhood do not always relate to the local crime hot-spots.