Crime Rates Research Articles

Unveiling the Concealed Risks: The Influence of Digital Finance on Cyber Financial Crime in China

Digital finance has emerged as a pivotal catalyst for economic growth in China, profoundly altering social structures and behaviors. Despite its benefits, it has also engendered financial risks, thereby complicating social governance. This study utilizes a panel dataset from China’s provinces spanning 2011 to 2021 to analyze the influence of digital finance development on cyber financial crime rates. The results reveal a positive correlation: an increment of one unit in the digital finance index is associated with a 0.058 unit increase in cyber financial crime rates. These findings are robustly supported by tests for endogeneity and robustness. Variations in impact are observed across urbanization levels and average wage brackets. And the study identifies income distribution and traditional financial demand as the mechanisms of the effect. Furthermore, this study presents strategic recommendations to enhance financial inclusion, facilitate income redistribution, strengthen cyber crime governance, and integrate digital and traditional finance for the advancement of financial modernization.

Causative factors of Abandoned Urban Housing Projects and Strategies for Revitalization in Ibadan, Nigeria

In Nigeria, over 56,000 projects have been abandoned, leading to negative societal and urban impacts, including wasted investment, job losses, increased crime rates, visual pollution, and disruption of urban planning. These abandoned projects, which include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, have significant multiplier effects on the construction industry. As the housing sector plays a vital role in a country's economy, the issue of abandoned urban housing projects, particularly in Ibadan, Nigeria’s third-largest city, poses serious challenges. These challenges affect the city’s economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental quality, yet there is limited research addressing the problem. This paper investigated the causes of abandoned housing projects in Ibadan, aiming to find ways to revive them and prevent future abandonment. A structured questionnaire (n=45) was administered to consultants and professionals in the built environment (architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and builders). Key causes of abandonment were identified, along with impacts such as building dilapidation, environmental decline, and urban visual displeasure. The paper recommended the establishment of regulatory frameworks for periodic inspections of ongoing projects and requiring developers to have exit strategies for financial setbacks. It also emphasized policies that promote repurposing abandoned buildings for public services, such as affordable housing or community centers. The conclusion stressed that without addressing the root causes, urban aesthetics and adequate housing provision will continue to suffer.

Преступность мигрантов в России: реальность, вызовы и перспективы

This article examines the current situation with migrant crime in Russia, as well as the relationship between uncontrolled migration flows and criminal activity of migrants. It raises the question of the effectiveness of the current state migration policy in the light of increased public concern about this issue. The article presents current statistical data on the state of migrant crime in Russia. Despite the decrease in the overall crime rate, the author notes an increase in the number of certain types of crimes, as well as a high level of latency and social tension. There is a category of migrants who commit crimes more often. The article takes into account the personal practical experience of the author and forms a set of problems in the analyzed area. The role of the state and law enforcement agencies in combating migrant crime, as well as measures to counter it in modern conditions, is discussed. Migration crime and uncontrolled migration processes are considered as a threat to national security, which must be dealt with now in order to prevent serious negative consequences in the future.

The Universal Neighborhood Effect Averaging in Mobility-Dependent Environmental Exposures.

The neighborhood effect averaging problem (NEAP) is a fundamental statistical phenomenon in mobility-dependent environmental exposures. It suggests that individual environmental exposures tend toward the average exposure in the study area when considering human mobility. However, the universality of the NEAP across various environmental exposures and the mechanisms underlying its occurrence remain unclear. Here, using a large human mobility data set of more than 27 000 individuals in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, we provide robust evidence of the existence of the NEAP in a range of individual environmental exposures, including green spaces, air pollution, healthy food environments, transit accessibility, and crime rates. We also unveil the social and spatial disparities in the NEAP's influence on individual environmental exposure estimates. To further reveal the mechanisms behind the NEAP, we perform multiscenario analyses based on environmental variation and human mobility simulations. The results reveal that the NEAP is a statistical phenomenon of regression to the mean (RTM) under the constraints of spatial autocorrelation in environmental data. Increasing travel distances and out-of-home durations can intensify and promote the NEAP's impact, particularly for highly dynamic environmental factors like air pollution. These findings illuminate the complex interplay between human mobility and environmental factors, guiding more effective public health interventions.

Retail franchise ecosystem dynamics: Insights from countries of varied development levels

This study explores the influence of entrepreneurial ecosystems on international franchise expansion. We understand franchising as a part of retailing and reflect on various country-level factors that impact the international franchise growth in 52 developed and emerging markets. We classify developed and emerging markets based on the Human Development Index (HDI). Employing an entrepreneurial ecosystem framework initially applied to new business growth in cities, we investigate how cultural, institutional, economic, and infrastructure factors affect franchise growth. Our findings indicate that well-developed infrastructure, economic freedom, and supportive laws contribute to franchise expansion, while locations with high crime rates are less attractive to franchise expansion. Surprisingly, increased internet access or higher spending on research and development does not consistently further franchise expansion. Countries with higher levels of human development tend to have franchises that are expand more rapidly. However, we found little difference between countries with very high development and those with high development standards. This study helps us understand what makes franchise business expansion work and how they can succeed in different countries. Implications for businesses and governments looking to support franchise growth are explained. Finally, the results reflect the importance of understanding the unique dynamics of emerging markets and offers actionable insights for businesses and policymakers aiming to foster retail ecosystems and franchise on these specific markets entrepreneurship globally.

Population-level effects on crime of recovering firearms from armed prohibited persons: intention-to-treat analysis of a pragmatic cluster-randomised trial in California cities

BackgroundToo little is known about the effectiveness of efforts to prevent firearm violence. We evaluated California’s Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS), which identifies legal purchasers of firearms who have...

The Influence of Weather Temperature on Crime Occurrence in Babylon Province

Objectives: This study investigates the influence of temperature fluctuation on specific types of crimes in Babylon in Iraq. It also analyzes how varying temperatures leave an impact on crime patterns and trajectories. Methods: The study uses quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine temperature and crime data. Statistical techniques, including correlation and regression analysis, are applied to assess the relationships between temperature variables and crime rates. Results: The study results showed that there is a strong affinity between temperatures and crime rates. Murder crimes reach their peak in hot summer months. The study also showed that theft crimes, including burglary, increase during cold winter months. Statistical analysis validates these findings, highlighting a direct correlation between temperature and murder rates and an inverse correlation with theft rates. Conclusions: This study confirms the huge impact of temperature fluctuation on criminal behavior in Babylon, Iraq. Recognizing these seasonal variations may help construct effective crime prevention strategies. Additionally, the study explores multiple theoretical perspectives, underlining the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensively grasp the intricate relationship between climate and crime.

Local area crime and alcohol consumption: longitudinal evidence from Australia

BackgroundAlcohol misuse is a major public health issue. Understanding factors that contribute to alcohol misuse or risky drinking behaviour is important for policy. This study examined if crime rates in...

Crime Rate Analysis and Mapping from Socio-Economic Data Using Deep Neural Networks

Crime Rate Analysis and Mapping from Socio-Economic Data Using Deep Neural Networks

Never-Ending Chain of Crime: Defining the Vicious Cycle from Parental Incarceration on Children in Liangshan

Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture is located between latitude 26°03′–29°18′ N and longitude 100°03′–103°52′ in Sichuan, China. It is a region entangled by deep-rooted poverty, elevated crime rates, and educational deficit. This environment has precipitated a severe dilemma wherein a substantial number of Liangshan’s children are at risk of being left behind. Sichuan’s Provincial People’s Court reported that from 2012 to 2016, Sichuan holds a drug-related crime of 29,747 cases, ranked fourth nationally (Chuguang). This critical factor of parental incarceration, predominantly due to drug trafficking offenses, exacerbated the issue of children being left behind in Liangshan. Parental incarceration is an on-going issue across the world. Multiple researchers have consequences of economic hardship, children’s criminal involvement, parent-child detachment, educational deficits, and psychological challenges, profoundly impacting the children (Murray et al.; Luk et al.; Herreros-Fraile et al.). On top of the single effects, several researchers have referred the vicious cycle of parental incarceration as the inter-generational effects of parental incarceration, driving teen-theft, drug use, and other crime involvements (Dobbie et al.; Herreros-Fraile et al.). However, there is a noticeable gap in defining the vicious cycle of incarceration on children in the context of Liangshan. This paper, therefore, analyzes preceding studies, analyzes the intergenerational impact of each single effects of parental incarceration on children in Liangshan, and defines a Liangshan-based cyclical impact of parental incarceration on Liangshan’s children.

Macroeconomic Determinants of Crime against Children A Case Study of Punjab

Despite it being a growing cause of concern, the relationship between macroeconomic indicators and crime against children has previously remained widely unnoticed. An extensive range of literature is reviewed that gives this domain of research a different perspective by investigating crime against children existent in various countries around the world. The analysis of this paper is divided into three sections. Firstly, a regression analysis has been run using time series data taken from Punjab, Pakistan for the years 2007-2017. Applying the Ordinary Least Square Technique and using income, unemployment, and education as independent variables and crime rate against female children as the dependent variable; a regression model was run. While income and education show a statistically significant relationship, a prediction cannot be made due to a limited data availability of the crime variable. Secondly, this paper takes a descriptive approach by using a correlation matrix to observe the relationship between total crime rate against male children and unemployment, poverty and social sector spending. Results of this Matrix indicate a positive relationship between crime with unemployment and crime with poverty, while there is a negative linkage among social sector spending and crime. However, a correlation matrix can only be used to define a causal relationship between variables and not be employed to make reliable cause and effect estimations.

PROBLEM ASPECTS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT GOALS

The authors of the article consider the key problematic aspects affecting the achievement of the goals of criminal punishment in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The main attention is paid to the issues of the effectiveness of punishment, the problems of the resocialization of convicts and the functioning of the penitentiary system. Nowadays, we are witnessing a constant increase in the crime rate, both in the world as a whole and in Kazakhstan in particular. The criminal community is becoming more organized and professional, their fields of activity are expanding, and more and more people are becoming part of the criminal environment. This trend is accompanied by the low efficiency of judicial institutions for the protection of citizens' rights and the destruction of the crime prevention system, which forces the population to conclude that it is necessary to strengthen repressive measures to counter crime. However, despite the importance of punishment in the prevention of criminal offenses, there are two main strategies in the criminal policy of Kazakhstan: tougher responsibility for serious crimes on the one hand and the use of more humane non-custodial penalties for less serious offenses on the other hand. The authors propose specific mechanisms for improving the goals of criminal punishment and designing a system of types of punishments. When determining punishment, the court should be guided by the norms of the Criminal Code, which define the system and types of punishments, as well as the principles and basic rules for its appointment. The article analyzes the current system of punishments, identifies its shortcomings, and suggests ways to eliminate them. As part of this analysis, it is proposed to amend and supplement a number of norms of the Criminal Code.

A THREAT ANALYSIS: CHALLENGES TO HUMANSECURITY FOR VENEZUELAN MIGRANTS POST-MIGRATION TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

The country of Venezuela which is a close neighbor of Trinidad and Tobago continues to confront a major crisis that has unleashed multiple forms of sociopolitical violenc e against its citizens and has created a plethora of problems and threats including poverty, insecurity, and human rights violations. This ongoing socioeconomic crisis began around 2013 and has become progressively worse. Hyperinflation, escalating starvation, disease, crime and mortality rates are commonplace resulting in massive migration from the country. About seven millio n persons have left Venezuela over the last ten years seeking better lives and safety. About one hundred thousand of these migrants are in Trinidadand Tobago.Outward migration caused by this situation has been linked to numerous new challenges to Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago. This paper sought to understand the experiences of these migrants. A cross-sectional qualitative project was conducted to discuss the threat environment for these migrants analysing resettlement threat factors for health, security and general well being through semi-structured interviews(forty).Theanalysis focused on understanding the experiences of Venezuelan migrants during the period 2014-2024 and was conducted during the period March1-April 30 2024. The research revealed threats related to health, safety, education,employment and general well being of Venezuelan migrants that have informe d migration policies, and human rights efforts for Trinidad and Tobago.

Evaluation of financial monitoring systems effectiveness in its relationship to the country's security indicators

Motivation: The motivation for this research work is its potential to identify critical issues with far-reaching implications for economic security, governance and development, and to contribute to more informed decision-making in the area of countering the financing of terrorism. Aim: The purpose of this research paper is to analyse the impact of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards on crime and anti-corruption efforts and the effective implementation of the legal framework in countries. Results: The article examines the relationship between crime, corruption, terrorism and FATF standards in 54 countries. Based on the regression analysis, the influence of crime, terrorism and perception of corruption on the effectiveness and compliance with FATF standards is investigated. The specific coefficients show that the perception of terrorism and corruption have a statistically significant negative and positive impact on the dependent variable, respectively, while the impact of the crime index is not statistically significant. By examining the impact of crime rates and anti-corruption efforts on FATF standards and the effective implementation of legal frameworks in countries, the study aims to provide information that can inform decision-making. Understanding how these factors interact can help to improve anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing strategies at both the national and international levels, including the improvement of financial monitoring systems. Understanding the relationship between crime, corruption and terrorism can have practical implications for various stakeholders, including law enforcement, government officials and international organisations. The findings are important for the implementation of effective measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, improve governance, security and overall socio-economic stability.

BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE: URBAN VIOLENCE IN THE CITY OF CAMPINA GRANDE-PB

Urban and rural violence in Brazil affects the development and appropriation of public spaces. Rising crime generates fear, reducing interaction in urban environments and favoring their privatization. Campina Grande, a medium-sized city, faces challenges typical of large centers, such as violence that restricts the use of public areas. This study analyzes how violence influences the appropriation of these spaces, highlighting socioeconomic, legal, and ideological factors that shape their perception and use. The study seeks to understand the impact of violence on quality of life and the right to the city, exploring urban reorganization strategies. The research uses data from public agencies, such as IBGE and the Ministry of Justice, as well as academic sources, to map neighborhoods with the highest crime rates. The study reveals that violence in Campina Grande has fluctuated over the last two decades, with an increase until 2016 and a recent recovery. However, vulnerable areas such as Bodocongó and Malvinas remain impacted, with insecurity and a lack of infrastructure limiting the use of public spaces, reinforcing urban segregation. Even with the reduction in violence rates, the perception of insecurity still hinders social interaction in these places.

Urban Trees and Perceived Neighborhood Safety: Neighborhood Upkeep Matters

The perception of safety significantly influences choices in outdoor activities, profoundly impacting overall well-being. While previous studies have highlighted urban trees’ potential to reduce crime rates, the link between urban trees and perceived safety remains uncertain. This study investigates the relationship between urban trees and safety perception in Austin, Texas, USA, with a specific focus on the moderating role of neighborhood cleanliness and environmental justice considerations. Using multinomial logistic regression models, our analysis reveals a positive association between urban tree canopy coverage and safety perception, with a significant interaction between tree canopies and neighborhood cleanliness, further enhancing the sense of safety. Furthermore, we identified an optimal threshold of tree canopy that maximizes this effect. This highlights the crucial role of well-maintained urban green spaces, particularly tree canopies, in bolstering perceived safety. Such insights hold significance for evidence-based urban planning and community development, fostering well-being and safety for all residents.

Assessing Urban Slums in Post-COVID-19 to Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1: Nigeria’s Stakeholders Perspective Using Qualitative Approach

Studies showed that upgrading urban slums could bridge income inequality, create better opportunities, and mitigate/prevent virus spread in slums environment. There is a paucity of research concerning regenerating urban slums to achieve Goal 1 in Nigeria with reference to the post-COVID-19. Therefore, this research explored the impact of COVID-19 on slums in Nigerian cities and recommend measures to transform slums into sustainable cities and bridge income inequality to improve achieving Goal 1. The research used an interview type of qualitative research design and covered five major cities across Nigeria. The researchers engaged thirty interviewees (selected construction practitioners, NGOs, medical experts, and government agencies). The study adopted a thematic method to analyse the collated data. Findings show an increased poverty level across the five slum cities covered during and immediately after the pandemic. The significant impacts are high exposure to contagious and non-contagious infections, increased food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment, increased crime rates, and worse overcrowding during the lockdown. The study recommended measures to regenerate urban slums. The findings would stir policymakers to promote urban slum upgrading. Findings will support and provide insight into the active transformations of slums for the benefit of humanity and mitigate climate disruptions in future pandemics.

The impact of surveillance cameras and community safety activities on crime prevention: Evidence from Kakogawa City, Japan

While surveillance cameras are widely used for crime prevention in living environments, the interplay between such physical measures and community safety activities remains less understood. This study is grounded in Kakogawa city in Japan, which was once noted for a high crime rate and is now one of the most-surveilled cities in the nation. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess public attitudes towards local security, surveillance cameras and community safety activities among 116 citizens, with data analysed through both quantitative (ANOVA, t-test, and Pearson correlation) and qualitative (Kawakita-Jiro method) approaches. The study reveals a high level of safety perception, with both physical and social measures contributing. The acceptance of cameras is notably high and scarcely affected by demographics or personal experiences, largely due to local government's efforts to build collective trust. While the current level of community participation is insufficient, citizens perceive safety activities as irreplaceable by surveillance cameras, indicating that both should be concurrently promoted to enhance crime prevention initiatives. This study provides insights into the non-substitutable relationship between physical and social prevention measures and offers policy recommendations, including emphasising public involvement in implementing security devices and promoting the publicity of localised safety activities.

The evolution of affluent support for redistribution in Germany in the context of rising inequalities

This paper explores the changing attitudes of the most affluent individuals towards state intervention in redistribution in Germany in the context of growing inequality. Contrary to the predictions from traditional political economy models, a growing body of research suggests that the most affluent individuals could support more redistributive policies in reaction to higher income inequality due to altruism, fear of externalities (such as rising crime rates), and potential economic and social costs associated with downward mobility. Using survey data from the European Social Survey (ESS) from 2002 to 2020, our results provide robust evidence of our main prediction: we find a significant relative increase in support for redistribution among the top 30% of earners (compared to the bottom 70% of earners). Our heterogeneous analysis then reveals that the substantial increase in support for redistribution among the affluent has increased among supporters of the political left. This trend seems, however, to be comparatively less pronounced in East Germany.

Has Postponed Entry into Adult Roles Modified U.S. Age-Crime Curves? Age-Arrest Patterns of Teens, Emerging Adults and Adult Age Groups, 1980–2019

Social changes in industrialized societies have prolonged adolescence, postponing entry into adult roles. We use U.S. age-arrest data to investigate whether this delay has contributed to higher crime rates among emerging adults, altering population age-arrest curves. We compare parameters for multiple offenses from 1980 to 2019 to answer: (1) Have there been recent shifts toward older, less adolescent-spiked curves; (2) If so, do emerging adults today exhibit higher offending levels than historical counterparts; or (3) Do proximate age-groups drive these distributional alterations? We find peak age remains in the late teens, but today’s age-curves for minor offenses are more symmetrical compared to preceding adolescent-spiked iterations. Given contemporary emerging adults’ relatively low offending levels, more symmetrical age curves are the product of precipitous declines in teen arrest rates coupled with higher mid-life adult rates. Tracking future age-arrest trends is important, but data collection challenges related to the UCR-NIBRS transition may hinder those efforts.