DP4028 The Spatial Aspects of Crime

Author(s):	Yves Zenou
Publication Date:	August 2003
Keyword(s):	distance to jobs, location, social interaction
JEL(s):	K42, R10
Programme Areas:	Public Economics
Link to this Page:	cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=4028

This Paper aims to explain the spatial variations of crime, both between and within cities. Two types of mechanisms are put forward: social interactions that stipulate that an individual is more likely to commit crime if his peers commit than if they do not commit crime; and distance to jobs that indicates that remote residential location induces individuals to commit more crime. Both mechanisms are shown to have strong empirical support.