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Small area variation in crime effects of COVID-19 policies in England and Wales

Author

Listed:
  • Langton, Samuel

    (Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement)

  • Dixon, Anthony
  • Farrell, Graham

    (University of Leeds)

Abstract

It is well established that COVID-19 policies to restrict movement induced widespread falls in many crime types internationally. Much less is known about variation between areas in how these changes occurred. This study uses k-means clustering to examine local area variation in police notifiable offences across England and Wales. It finds that crime in most areas remained stable, a small proportion of areas accounting for disproportionate change. These were typically city centers with plentiful pre-pandemic crime opportunities, dominated by theft and shoplifting offences. We explore potential implications for policy, theory and further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Langton, Samuel & Dixon, Anthony & Farrell, Graham, 2021. "Small area variation in crime effects of COVID-19 policies in England and Wales," SocArXiv cw6a4_v1, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:cw6a4_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/cw6a4_v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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