Whirlwinds and Break-Ins: Evidence Linking a New Orleans Tornado to Residential Burglary

This study examines the number and location of residential burglaries before and after a tornado that struck New Orleans, Louisiana in February 2017. Using calls for service to the New Orleans Police Department, Weather Service data and geospatial referencing, we found that the number of residential...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Frailing, Kelly (Author) ; Zawisza, Thomas (Author) ; Harper, Dee Wood (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2021
In: Journal of crime and justice
Year: 2021, Volume: 44, Issue: 1, Pages: 119-130
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
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Keywords:
Routine Activities
Concentrated disadvantage
New Orleans
tornado
Burglary
Description
Summary:This study examines the number and location of residential burglaries before and after a tornado that struck New Orleans, Louisiana in February 2017. Using calls for service to the New Orleans Police Department, Weather Service data and geospatial referencing, we found that the number of residential burglaries increased in the short-term aftermath of the tornado and that the increase in suitable targets caused by the tornado appears to be an important predictor of post-tornado burglary in that timeframe. We conclude with implications for policy and practice that stem from our findings.
ISSN:2158-9119
DOI:10.1080/0735648X.2020.1782249