Crime Concentration in Ireland in 2012: A Location Quotient Approach

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate spatial patterns of crime in Ireland to develop a better theoretical understanding of the role of geography and opportunity, as well as enabling practical crime prevention solutions that are tailored to specific places. The analysis uses crime data sourced from the Central Statistics Office to analyse crime concentration for a range of crime categories using alternative measures of concentration. The findings of this paper indicate that crime concentrates in particular places in Ireland. The findings may be utilised by An Garda Síochana (Irish police force) to enable practical crime prevention solutions that are tailored to specific places. Particularly, the concentrations of certain sub categories of crime may require a rearrangement of current resources, as well as the deployment of additional resources to worst affected areas.