A Natural Experiment: The Effects of Parking Lots on Crime at Houston, Texas Transit Centers.

• In Event: Crime and Place: Crime and Transport

Abstract

The linkage between public transportation systems and criminal activity is well-known. Previous studies have found that the volume and type of crime varies by transportation system "components", such as platforms, stairwells, transit stations, and bus stops. Previous studies have found that crime occurring in parking lots at transit stations is primarily composed of vehicular-related crimes, such as auto theft. Houston, Texas, United States, a city with a population of over 2 million, has 18 transit centers, which provide central collection points for the city bus routes. Seven of the centers do not have parking facilities, which provides an opportunity to conduct a natural experiment to gauge the effects of transit center parking lots on transit center crime. This study, which considers crimes against persons, property, and society, is guided by the theoretical underpinnings of the family of "opportunity theories" of crime.

Author

• Ward Adams, Texas State University