Mapping the Prevalence and Distribution of Crime within University of Lagos Using Geographic Information System

Abstract

Akoka campus) between 2012-2015 using Geographic Information System. Specifically,
it mapped and classified the security posts, examined the spatial and temporal pattern of
crime as well as the factors responsible for the observed pattern. The data utilized for the
study entails spatial and non-spatial data acquired through surveys conducted to identify
the location of security post and crime incidents and existing University of Lagos map
and database of the Security department of the University. The study revealed that there
are 81 security posts and 6 security zones within the University. Depicting a clustered
distribution pattern, 66 of these security posts were classified as functional while 15 were
classified as non-functional. The study also revealed that a total of 2,012 crime incidents
which were categorized into 18 groups were reported to have occurred between 2012-
2015 in the University. While Larceny (1,025) was discovered to be the most prevalent
crime, Zone B (601) was discovered to be the zone with the highest crime rate and 2015
(700) the year with highest crime incidents. The factors responsible for the observed
crime pattern include high student population, proximity and easy access to neighbouring
communities, and remoteness and low human traffic. With the identification of crime
susceptible zones using GIS as demonstrated in this study, it is recommended that the
University of Lagos security department adopt the use of GIS especially for the siting of
security posts and allocation of personnel to aid crime management.