Analysis of urban configuration influence on spatial distribution of criminality in Cáceres, Mato Grosso

Abstract The configuration of built environment can influence spatial distribution of crime in intra-urban space. This work evaluates the relationship between vehicle theft and characteristics of the urban territory in Cáceres, MT. For this, vehicle theft records from the years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 were related to: land uses; socioeconomic/demographic characteristics; and configuration of the road network. Land use influence was analysed by LQC-Location Quotient Crime that calculate the density of vehicle thefts in the surroundings (0-500m) of different urban equipment (Activity Nodes). The socioeconomic and demographic characteristics from census were related to criminal records through linear regression and the configuration of the territory was evaluated through the spatial syntax using integration and choice metrics. Land use was the main urban feature that influence the distribution of vehicle thefts in Cáceres. The main attracting equipments were: bank agency, sports equipment, schools, parking, bus terminal and universities. The Activity Nodes that prevented crime were: airport, green areas, commercial building and cemeteries. The other variables analyzed, even having linear relationship with vehicle theft, did not indicate a strong influence on the distribution pattern of crime.