Cityscapes at Night: Exploring Nightlife Activities on Urban Crime Dynamics Through Bibliometric Lenses

Cityscapes undergo a profound transformation as night falls, revealing a vibrant tapestry of leisure and entertainment that becomes the heartbeat of urban life. This nighttime activity, however, often coexists with the complex issue of urban crime. In this bibliometric study, spanning over forty-one years of literature, we explore the nexus between nightlife activities—specifically leisure and entertainment—and their relationship with urban crime for the first time. Through the analysis of 313 documents, we employ performance analysis and science mapping to navigate the extensive information base and assess the evolving dynamics in this domain. This novel study reveals patterns, trends, and scholarly contributions, offering unprecedented insights unveiling the nexus between the nighttime economy and urban crime. It also explores the evolution of research themes and discerns the major research areas, examining the conceptual, social, and intellectual structures that underpin this field. Additionally, the study identifies trending topics, offering a comprehensive view of the current state and trajectory of research. This study offers a concise yet comprehensive resource for policymakers, practitioners, and urban planners, shedding light on the complex link between nightlife vibrancy and urban crime, which is essential for crafting targeted urban safety policies and crime prevention strategies.