An agent-based framework to support crime prevention

Abstract

An important research topic within Environmental Criminology is the analysis of the spatio-temporal dynamics of crime. Some of the main challenges in this area are the prediction and prevention of criminal hot spots. This paper presents an agent-based framework that is able to address such challenges. The framework exploits simulation techniques to compare different strategies for guardian movement in terms of their efficiency (low costs) and effectiveness (high prevention rate). In addition, by automated checks, more detailed properties of the different strategies can be studied. As a result, the framework can be used as a tool to assist researchers in their theory building, and potentially also policy makers in their decision making. To illustrate the approach, a number of strategies for guardian movement are compared, and the results are discussed.