Physical development pattern and crime incidences in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper inquired if the nature and physical development characteristics of the neighbourhoods constitute crime exposure factors in Ilorin. The study identified common crimes experienced and their spatial distribution in the neighbourhoods of Ilorin. It further characterized the nature and physical development conditions of the neighbourhoods of the study area. In carrying out the study 960 households spread across 35 aggregated neighbourhoods of the study area were sampled for their crime victimization experiences using a designed crime victimization survey questionnaire administered through a systematic random sampling procedure, in a survey conducted in October, 2015. In addition, extensive but discreet physical observations and rating of the physical development characteristics of the neighbourhoods were conducted as part of the survey. In analyzing the data obtained, the study employed Jenks' natural breaks classification method to classify the neighbourhoods of the study area into four crime densities; and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation technique to establish the relationship between the quality of neighbourhood physical development and exposure to crime. The study confirmed the common crimes experienced by residents of the study area; established a spatial classification of criminality in the study area; as well established a (r) value of -0.633 between the nature of neighbourhood physical development and exposure to crime using correlation analysis. The study recommends the design and implementation of periodic urban renewal programmes to minimize exposure to crime in poorly developed neighbourhoods of the study area.

Keywords: crime pattern, neighbourhood, physical development pattern