Bad Blood? The Effect of Taylor Swift Concerts on Crime

• In Event: Block Parties, Golf, Tay Tay and Wild Fires: Which Events Influence Neighborhood Crime?

Abstract

Past research has shown that large-scale entertainment events are associated with changes in city-level crime counts. However, most of the literature in this area of study focuses on sporting events, leaving other types of events underexamined. To assess whether similar patterns extend to other types of large gatherings, this study examines the relationship between concerts - specifically Taylor Swift concerts - and city-level crime counts. Negative binomial regression models are used to compare crime counts on concert days to those on the same weekday one week prior. Results indicate no significant differences in crime counts between concert days and non-concert days, suggesting that such events may not influence city-level crime patterns. Given that past research finds associations between sporting events and crime patterns, the current findings suggest that the type of event matters, potentially due to differences in attendee demographics, event culture, or security measures. Future research should explore how variations in crowd composition, alcohol consumption, and law enforcement presence contribute to these different crime patterns between event types.

Authors

• Kristina Block, Rowan University

• Jacob Kaplan, Princeton University