Do We Reap What We Zone?

Routine activity theory suggests that§neighborhood-level activity patterns influence crime§rates, and that the convergence of three elements in§space and time a motivated offender, a suitable§target, and the absence of a capable guardian result§in increased likelihood of criminal events. As such,§particular land-use patterns may explain why§disadvantaged neighborhoods have higher crime rates§than more advantaged areas. This monograph examines§whether the effect of neighborhood disadvantage on§crime may be a function of its association with§land-use patterns. This research also examines§whether land-uses have greater effects in§disadvantaged neighborhoods. By understanding the§effects of land-use, planners and managers could make§changes in land-use patterns that decrease crime§rates. Findings reveal that both social§characteristics and several land-use patterns§exhibited different degrees of influence within three§research sites. Generally, the percent of land-use§dedicated to commerce as well as some commercial§institutions were significant predictors of robbery§rates. However, types of commercial land and§establishments varied by the study site.