An analysis of property crime in a town in Malta and the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies

Abstract

This research analysed property crime with particular attention to home thefts and vandalism. It sought to find patterns of such offences and tests the efficiency of primary crime prevention methods whilst focusing on crime prevention through environmental design. Interviews were conducted with residents in Naxxar coming from areas of different crime incidence levels. An on ground analysis was conducted in areas of highest incidence and in areas of lowest incidence with the aim of comparing and contrasting the areas together. After analysing results from the interviews and from the spatial analysis it was established that property crime is concentrated in the surrounding side streets just outside the town centre. Home thefts are more likely to take place during the night and houses under construction are more at risk. Vandalism is evenly spread out throughout Naxxar.