May 6, 2004: The Future of Crime Mapping?

A new system of prospective crime mapping has been introduced by the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science . It is argued that prospective crime mapping can accurately predict locations where burglaries are likely to occur. Research undertaken by the Institute indicates that households within 400 metres of a property which has previously been burgled are at higher risk of a further offence for up to two months after the first burglary. The police are therefore being advised to increase their patrolling presence in areas at high risk of burglary.

The full reference for the research is:

Bowers, K.J., Johnson, S.D., & Pease, K. (2004). Prospective Hotspotting: The Future of Crime Mapping? The British Journal of Criminology, in press.