A GEOSPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF HURRICANE IMPACT ON BURGLARY IN LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY

This study addressed the under-researched area of the impact that hurricanes have on crime. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between two hurricanes, Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy, and burglary rates in Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Data for this research was obtained from dispatch detail provided by Lawrence Township Police Department for all crimes in the area during the years of 2009-2012. This study focused solely on the crime of burglary (n=423) and the months surrounding each of the storms. Results showed an increase in burglaries after Hurricane Irene and a decrease in burglaries following Hurricane Sandy.