Masters Thesis Abstract: Abby Thornley
A temporal and spatial analysis of burglary in Christchurch, New Zealand
Residential burglary in urban areas is a major international problem. Reported cases of residential burglary have increased internationally, overall, since the 1950’s. In the past decade, though, reported cases of residential burglary have fluctuated. Many reasons have been put forward as to why burglary rates have increased overall, these reasons have come from two main perspectives, the behavioural and the structural perspectives. The increase in burglary rates have also lead to changing police initiatives and government policies in New Zealand and internationally.
There is extensive literature regarding many aspects of burglaries. Most of this research is international, but there is very little based on burglary in New Zealand, especially Christchurch, which is why this research is of importance in this context. Of the research into burglaries in Christchurch, little if any has been done using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to aid in spatial analysis. GIS has been used extensively in international research into burglary.
This research will examine the annual burglary rate in Christchurch from 1998 to 2003. The characteristics of offenders are another aspect of burglaries that will be researched, as is the distance they travel to burgle. The research will also look at changes in clear up rates of burglaries. Additionally how burglary rates compare to socio-demographic characteristics of the population of areas of Christchurch will be studied.
Initial results show that the burglary rate in Christchurch has dropped from 1998 to 2003. Results also show a strong positive correlation between burglary rate and 2001 NZ Deprivation Deciles for Christchurch. Meaning, the less well off areas of Christchurch have a higher burglary rate than more well off areas of Christchurch.