Spatio-Temporal and Hotspot Analysis of Crimes in Sharki and Gharbi Police Stations, District Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2015-2016)

Abstract

The technological advancement in computer mapping coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS) enables researchers to geo-visualize the spatial and temporal pattern in data. The present study is an attempt to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of crime in the Sharki (East Cantonment) and Gharbi (West Cantonment) police stations of Peshawar city for 2015-2016. Besides, it also aims to delineate the hot spots. The crime data was collected from the Sharki and Gharbi police stations for 2015 and 2016. The analysis of crimes by type reveals a total of 55 cases of different crimes were reported to Gharbi police station during 2015-16, the majority of which were narcotics and drug-related crimes. In the Sharki police station, a total of 90 crimes of different nature were reported the majority of which were vehicle lifting, followed by snatching. The spatial analysis of crimes suggests that in Gharbi police station most of the crimes were reported from the Saddar area specifically from Peshawar Club and PIA building area. As for as the Sharki police station is concerned, the majority of crimes were reported from the Civil quarters, Dabgri, and ShubaBazar area.  The hourly distribution of crimes suggests that most of the crimes were committed from 12 p.m to 4p.m. The seasonal distribution of crime reveals that the majority of crimes in both Gharbi and Sharki police stations were committed in summer. Hot spots analysis suggests two hot spots, in the study area. For effective controlling of crimes, it is recommended that GPS should be provided to Police for collecting exact location data for effective crime mapping and analysis to identify hotspots and increase the policing in those areas to control crimes.