Spatial Crime Analysis:

The Distribution of Robbery Cases in Juiz de Fora - MG between the years 2012 and 2022.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the distribution of robbery cases in Juiz de Fora - MG, with the goal of comprehending the evolution of occurrence patterns within the city, considering that criminal activity does not exhibit random spatial manifestation. Employing the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methodology for criminal analysis, the study sought to map and integrate data sourced from the police report/ incident report spanning the period from 2012 to 2022, utilizing geoprocessing techniques. The findings reveal a notable surge between 2012 and 2016, followed by a significant decline thereafter. The decrease recorded between 2020 and 2022 is believed to be indirectly influenced by reduced human mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, there is a distinct rise in peripheral area cases, contrasting with those in the city center. In conclusion, the study indicates a discernible alteration in the spatial robbery pattern in Juiz de Fora over the analyzed period, underscoring the necessity for further in-depth inquiry into whether these incidents have been substituted by analogous crimes.