Socio-spatial structure of urban communities and the distribution of crime in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Research suggests that there is a correlation between the characteristics of residents and target areas and the levels and types of crime occurring in cities. However, there is no consensus in the extant literature on the social and environmental characteristics of spaces that influence the occurrence of crime. This paper draws on findings in Makurdi, Nigeria to provide a contextual analysis of the determinants of the spatial patterning of crime. Data on the physical attributes of the built environment, the social characteristics of residents and types of crime were obtained through physical observation and questionnaires. The data were analysed using the regression method. The study found that the major determinants of crime are building and population density, fences, age of residents and the 'age' of residential areas. Some of these determinants are indicators and facilitators of 'eyes on the street', highlighting the importance of formal and informal monitoring of activity spaces in cities. This means that design principles that support formal or informal surveillance of urban spaces like the introduction of outdoor communal spaces to encourage interactions and the development of social networks and the regulation of the types and height of fences could enhance urban safety and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]