• Asian Journal of Innovation and Policy
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.320-341
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• 2022

Empirical applications to explain criminogenic events are abundant. While much of the research in criminal studies concentrates on understanding the motivations of offenders and preventing victimization from a micro perspective, there have been recent theoretical advancements that give priority to the role of spatial factors in directly impacting crime rates. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the empirical inference between violent crime incidence and spatial characteristics of local areas focusing particularly on spatial accessibility conditions in the areas. Applying discrete spatial econometrics models, this study reveals a significant relationship between spatial accessibility and the formation of violent crime hot spots in South Korea. Along with other variables, it is revealed that road accessibility has a clear association with violent crime hot spots. Based on the findings, this study suggests some policy implications such as effective surveillance systems, land use restrictions, and advanced street lighting.