The Circle Hypothesis Revisited: Modelling Property Offenders

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The Circle Hypothesis RevisitedModelling
Property Offenders Spatial Behaviour Using
Sketch Maps

• Dr Karen Shalev
• Lecturer
• University of Portsmouth
• Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
• karen.shalev_at_port.ac.uk
• Acknowledgments to Prof. Canter for his
  supervision

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Circle Hypothesis (Canter Larkin, 1993)
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Limitations of Model

• Distinguishes between two extreme types of
  behaviour
• Information is gathered from police case file
• Only convicted offenders
• Official address may not be accurate
• Sample bias
• Use of two furthest crimes as indicator of
  criminal range
• Generalise about series from two offences
• All remaining crimes are being ignored
• Offenders would have to make use of full circle

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Source of Data

• Prisons in North West
• Wirral Probation Service

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Structure of Interview

• Background Questionnaire
• Timeline
• Sketch Maps
• Questions and Answers

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Marauder
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Fringer
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Cluster
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Commuter
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Thank You

• Any Questions?