Patterns of crime on campuses: a spatial analysis of crime and concerns for safety at a Nigerian university

Having obtained data from students selected through a systematic sampling technique, this study examines perceptions of crime, feelings of safety and precautionary behaviour at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA), Nigeria. Findings from students’ perceptions of crime reveal that room...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Badiora, Adewumi I. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2017
In: Acta criminologica
Year: 2017, Volume: 30, Issue: 3, Pages: 180-200
Online Access: Volltext (Publisher)
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Keywords:
Avoidance behaviour
Campuses
Feelings of safety
Perceptions of crime
Routine activity
University students
Nigeria
Description
Summary:Having obtained data from students selected through a systematic sampling technique, this study examines perceptions of crime, feelings of safety and precautionary behaviour at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA), Nigeria. Findings from students’ perceptions of crime reveal that room break-in is the most prevalent crime in off-campus residences, while stealing is the most prevalent crime on campus. Results show that a significant difference exists between perceptions of crime incidences on and off campus. Notable differences in feelings of safety were evident on campus and off campus areas among male and female students. Findings revealed that significant differences do not only exist in feelings of safety between males and females on campus, but in off campus areas as well. It was revealed that approximately 70 percent of female respondents reported avoidance measures whereas only 20.0 percent of male students admitted to undertaking avoidance behaviour. Furthermore, findings determined some support for the Routine Activity Theory and it is obvious through this study that there are serious concerns about crime and the feeling of safety at Nigerian Universities. Some practical recommendations that would improve campus security should therefore include improving visibility and the need for more effective security measures.
ISSN:1012-8093