Does Crime Radiate From Bars? A Study of Houston, Texas

• In Event: Communities and Place: Crime Radiation

Abstract

Crime radiation describes a process where crime at a place creates crime at nearby places. Several theoretical works and narrative reviews provide plausible evidence for crime radiation. A study by Kate Bowers suggests that places with many thefts are likely to experience thefts at nearby places. Though the evidence of crime radiation is growing, more direct evidence is needed. In this presentation, we discuss our study of crime radiation using data from Houston, Texas between 2021 to 2023. We examined whether property and violent crimes at bars are associated with crime at nearby places. Using liquor license data, we also considered place management factors that may influence the radiation process. We discuss the uneven distribution of crime at bars and the differences in crime types they appear to be radiating.

Authors

• Tyler S. Mierzwa, Simon Fraser University

• Shannon J. Linning, Simon Fraser University

• Martin A. Andresen, Simon Fraser University