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Safe and Sustainable City: Exploring the Impact of Urban Factors on Crime Occurrence

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  • Monika Maria Cysek-Pawlak

    (Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, 93-590 Lodz, Poland)

  • Aleksander Serafin

    (Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, 93-590 Lodz, Poland)

  • Andrii Polishchuk

    (Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, 93-590 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

Safety, a critical component of sustainable development, necessitates an integrated approach in which urban planning assumes a central role. This study investigates the relationship between urban form and crime incidents in public spaces within the center of the city. This study was conducted in the city of Łódź, located in central Poland. Through geolocated data, this research explores crime incidents that, while not the most severe, disrupt public order and impact the overall quality of life. This study fills a gap in the existing literature by analyzing spatial variables such as urban vibrancy and the presence of alcohol outlets, alongside other urban elements. The analysis incorporates a variety of urban form variables, including land development indices, the functional layout of the urban neighborhood, pedestrian infrastructure, public space amenities, and facilities. Urban vibrancy, represented by the density of human activity, is also assessed in relation to crime incidents. The results indicate significant correlations between certain urban features and the occurrence of crime incidents, particularly the presence of public amenities and small businesses. While these findings suggest that urban design can influence crime rates, further panel and time-series regression analysis is needed to confirm these dynamics. Aligned with the 11th Sustainable Development Goal, this study provides insights that could inform urban planning strategies, offering recommendations to enhance both the functionality and safety of city centers. By understanding how urban design elements contribute to public safety, policymakers can develop more effective and targeted spatial planning strategies that promote not only aesthetics and functionality but also the well-being and security of residents.

Suggested Citation

  • Monika Maria Cysek-Pawlak & Aleksander Serafin & Andrii Polishchuk, 2025. "Safe and Sustainable City: Exploring the Impact of Urban Factors on Crime Occurrence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1866-:d:1597218
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Donovan, Stuart & de Graaff, Thomas & de Groot, Henri L.F. & Schiff, Aaron, 2024. "An urban overhead? Crime, agglomeration, and amenity," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    2. Rebekka E. Apardian & Oleg Smirnov, 2020. "An analysis of pedestrian crashes using a spatial count data model," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 99(5), pages 1317-1338, October.
    3. Runde Fu & Xinhuan Zhang & Degang Yang & Tianyi Cai & Yufang Zhang, 2021. "The Relationship between Urban Vibrancy and Built Environment: An Empirical Study from an Emerging City in an Arid Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-20, January.
    4. Mitre-Becerril, David & MacDonald, John M., 2024. "Does urban development influence crime? Evidence from Philadelphia’s new zoning regulations," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    5. Daniel Borbely & Gennaro Rossi, 2023. "Urban regeneration projects and crime: evidence from Glasgow," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 23(6), pages 1273-1301.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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