What does environmental criminology primarily focus on?

Environmental criminology primarily focuses on the various aspects of settings in which crime occurs. This field examines how the physical environment, including the design of spaces and the distribution of opportunities, influences criminal behavior. It looks at factors such as the geographical location of crime, the nature of specific places like neighborhoods or buildings, and how the characteristics of these environments can either facilitate or deter criminal activity.

By analyzing spatial patterns and the relationships between crime and the environmental context, environmental criminology seeks to understand why certain areas are more prone to crime than others. This involves considerations of urban design, socio-economic factors, and community interaction, which all play a significant role in shaping crime patterns and trends. Hence, acknowledging the impact of the environment is central to developing effective crime prevention strategies and policies.