What is the term for the shifting of crime activities from one area to another?

The term that describes the shifting of crime activities from one area to another is spatial displacement. This phenomenon occurs when law enforcement intensifies efforts in a particular location, prompting criminals to move their activities to different areas. Spatial displacement highlights how crime is dynamic and can migrate in response to interventions or changes in environmental factors.

Vertical displacement, on the other hand, refers to changes in the level or intensity of crime (e.g., moving from lower-level crimes to more serious offenses), while temporal displacement involves changes in the timing of criminal activities, such as committing crimes at different times of day or days of the week. Targeted displacement is not a widely recognized term in crime analysis literature.

Understanding spatial displacement is crucial for crime analysts, as it allows them to anticipate potential changes in crime patterns and adapt their strategies accordingly to maintain public safety.