Malleson, N, Evans, A and Jenkins, T (2009) An agent-based model of burglary. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 36 (6). 1103 - 1123. ISSN 0265-8135
Abstract
Occurrences of crime are complex phenomena. They are the result of a large number of interrelated elements which can include environmental factors as well as complex human behaviours. Traditionally, crime occurrences have been modelled using statistical techniques, and although such approaches are useful, they face difficulties in providing predictive analyses and with the integration of behavioural information. Also, it is particularly difficult to account for the strongly influential effect of local urban form. Agent-based modelling is a relatively new modelling paradigm that has generated a considerable amount of interest. An agent is an independent component of a system which interacts with other agents and its environment to achieve goals. In this manner, large systems of agents can be created to mimic real scenarios. Most importantly, the agents can incorporate behavioural information to determine how they should achieve their goals, and models can include a highly detailed environment. This paper presents an agent-based model used to predict burglary rates, which, despite its simplicity, yields interesting results. We apply the model to the city of Leeds, UK. The model indicates that the urban configuration in Leeds is a major element in determining the level of crime across the city. It also demonstrates that agent-based modelling is an excellent tool for these types of analyses with much potential.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Social-change; High-schools; crime; systems; microsimulation; victimization; evolutionary; simulation; market; life |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Geography (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 06 Nov 2013 17:45 |
Last Modified: | 15 Sep 2014 02:49 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1068/b35071 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Pion publishing |
Identification Number: | 10.1068/b35071 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:76815 |