The influence of permeability, mixed land use and population density on the number of crimes in Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

Crime strategies are rarely incorporated into sustainable development strategies, yet it is a crucial aspect for the wellbeing of a city. Previous research has focused on factors such as permeability, mixed land use and population density as predictors of crime, yet this has never been done in the context of Geneva Switzerland. This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature by investigating the relationship between these variables and crime. It also looks at how well they predict different categories of crime, namely attacks on life, theft, attacks on freedom, sexual offenses and others. This research takes the form of an ecological study using open secondary data provided by different governmental agencies in Geneva. We conducted several multiple linear regressions, examining the relationship between crime and permeability, population density and mixed land use, while adjusting for variables. We found that mixed land and population density indeed have a relationship with crime, however, permeability did not. This provides us with crucial information that will help future urban architects and crime experts work together on future developments.