What is the term for the phenomenon where crime shifts to a different time or place?

The term that describes the phenomenon where crime shifts to a different time or place is known as displacement. This occurs when law enforcement strategies, community interventions, or changes in environmental design reduce crime rates in one area, leading offenders to move their activities to another location or alter the timing of their crimes. For instance, if a neighborhood increases patrols and security measures, criminals may simply relocate to an adjacent area that is perceived as less secure. This concept highlights the adaptive nature of criminal behavior, wherein offenders respond to the changes in risk and opportunity associated with crime prevention efforts.

Understanding displacement is crucial for crime analysis because it emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that do not just address surface-level issues but also consider wider implications, ensuring that crime prevention efforts are effective in a broader context rather than just shifting problems around.