Crime Mapping and Residents Safety Survey in Lagos. Case of Lagos Island

The problem of crime has always posed not only a big threat to the society and people but has also raised great concerns all over the world. This study is aimed to assess the spatial analysis and evaluate residents‟ feeling of safety in relation to criminal activities in Lagos Island with a view of recommending sustainable measures. The objectives for this research include to - carry out a detailed analysis on the type of crime and location in Lagos Island; determine the socio-economic characteristics and safety perception of the residents in Lagos Island; assess the effectiveness of the existing crime prevention strategies in the local government; determine the causes of criminal activities and proffer probable crime prevention strategies for the local government. The study adopts survey research design method with the primary (questionnaires and interviews) and secondary sources of data collection (information of crime rate, nature of crime, etc.). A Focus Group Discussion was organized for 70 residents (representatives of the twenty wards in the local government). The FGD combined both interview and questionnaires administration to enhance the quality of information gathered. Also, secondary data which has to do with crime rate, location and types of crime in the local government were obtained from crime records of one of the Police Headquarters in the local government (September and October Crime Data. Data was analyzed using descriptive, and spatial techniques (GIS) Tables and maps were used to display the output of the analyses. Proximity and buffer analysis were used to assess the coverage of policing and density of crime in the area.

The major findings of this study showed street fights/gang fights ranked the highest in the list of crimes in the study area. The study also revealed that the safety index of the residents is low, especially during the night as well as the resident perception on the effectiveness of the existing strategies. Finally, the major causes of crime in the area include political condition; drug abuse; incapability of the police, moral decadence, amongst others.

The major recommendations of this study are the need to embark on extensive crime mapping exercise; CPTED; participatory approach, social development programmes and community policing.

Keywords: Crime, Safety, Mapping, Sustainability