Self-protective behaviour against crime in urban settings: Diagnosis through surveys and Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

Spanish

Fear of crime is an unavoidable indicator when assessing urban quality of life. In the literature, cognitive or emotional measures have been widely used to represent the fear of crime. Results from these perspectives have generated controversies that suggest the need to propose an alternative indirect measure for the fear of becoming a victim of crime: self-protective behaviour. Results from a survey on a representative sample of residents in Bilbao, Spain, are presented. The distribution of self-protective behaviours across areas of the city is explored using GIS tools to map these behaviours. Implications for urban quality of life are discussed and reflections are provided about the usefulness of reported behaviour as an indicator, as well as the suitability of interventions in relation to behaviours.

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