Places of Worship Linked to Higher Neighborhood Crime

Author: PLoS ONE
Published: 9 Mar 2023 - Updated: 17 Sep 2026
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed | Survey, Analysis

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This peer-reviewed analysis examines crime statistics near 742 places of worship in Washington, D.C., revealing that these sites are associated with higher levels of violent and property crime in their immediate neighborhoods. The study suggests that increased foot traffic and limited monitoring may create opportunities for criminal activity, highlighting the need for tailored policing strategies. This information is particularly relevant for individuals with disabilities and seniors, who may be more vulnerable to such crimes, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and targeted safety measures. Plus, it's interesting for anyone curious about how community spaces shape local dynamics, making it a thought-provoking piece with real-world relevance.*

At a Glance

• 1 - University of Iowa researcher James Wo led the analysis. His findings appeared in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
• 2 - The crime link held even after adjusting for nearby bars, liquor stores, and metro stations. Sociodemographic factors were also controlled for in the model.
• 3 - Wo compares these sites to shopping malls, restaurants, and retail stores that act as crime generators. He stresses the results are not an indictment of religion or faith.
• 4 - High foot traffic paired with limited ability to monitor public activity may create openings for offenders. This can raise the risk to weakly guarded targets in the immediate area.

Topic Definition

Place of Worship

A place of worship is a building or dedicated space where an individual or a congregation gathers to carry out acts of devotion, prayer, adoration, or religious study, and it is sometimes referred to as a house of worship. Churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues are among the most common examples, and while these sites are traditionally viewed as centers of community life and social cohesion, research has also begun to examine their wider effects on the surrounding neighborhood, including patterns of local crime. Beyond their spiritual role, such structures often serve as gathering points that draw steady foot traffic, which is part of what makes their relationship to community safety a subject of ongoing study.

Overview

Crime Generators or Social Capital Organizations? Examining The Effects of Places of Worship on Neighborhood Crime - PLoS ONE.

A new analysis of crime statistics near hundreds of places of worship in Washington, D.C., shows that these sites are associated with higher levels of violent and property crime-even after accounting for other factors commonly linked with crime. James Wo of the University of Iowa, U.S., presents these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on March 8, 2023.

Prior research has established that places of worship foster social ties and community actions for the common good, suggesting that these sites would reduce crime in their neighborhoods. However, only some studies have addressed the hypothesized crime-reducing impact of places of worship.

In the present study, Wo conducted a statistical analysis of publicly available crime and neighborhood data for the areas immediately surrounding 742 places of worship across Washington, D.C.

The analysis showed that places of worship were associated with higher violent and property crime rates in their immediate neighborhood. This association persisted even after accounting for various sociodemographic factors and other factors commonly linked with crime, such as proximity to bars, liquor stores, check-cashing stores, and D.C. metro stations.

These findings align with evidence from two prior studies suggesting that places of worship might unintentionally boost crime. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism by which this might occur. Still, it is possible that places of worship draw high foot traffic while having limited ability to monitor and regulate the public activity, boosting the chances that potential offenders might seize the opportunity to commit crimes against weakly guarded targets.

The author notes that these findings do not invalidate the positive impacts of places of worship or religion. However, they suggest a need to consider places of worship as risk factors for neighborhood crime to shape policing policies and crime-reduction efforts accurately.

Future research could help confirm and extend these findings by examining crime statistics over time as places of worship become established or shut down. Neighborhood-level data on social capital, civic engagement, foot traffic (or the ambient population), and anonymity could be collected to test whether these factors do, in fact, mediate the effects of places of worship on crime. Researchers could also examine whether similar patterns are seen in other U.S. cities and worldwide.

James Wo adds:

"Findings should not be interpreted as an indictment on religion or places of worship (POW). Rather, they highlight POW as an unexpected ecological risk factor for neighborhood crime, similar to how shopping malls, central business districts, restaurants, and retail stores have been deemed to operate as crime generators."

Citation:

Wo JC (2023) Crime generators or social capital organizations? Examining the effects of places of worship on neighborhood crime. PLoS ONE 18(3): e0282196.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Where was the places of worship crime study conducted

The research focused on Washington, D.C. and examined publicly available crime and neighborhood data surrounding 742 places of worship across the city.

When was the study published

The analysis was published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on March 8, 2023, and authored by James Wo of the University of Iowa.

Does the study say religion causes crime

No, the author states the findings should not be read as an indictment of religion. They instead point to places of worship as an unexpected ecological risk factor for local crime.

What types of crime were measured

The study looked at both violent crime and property crime rates in the immediate neighborhoods surrounding each place of worship.

Why might places of worship be linked to more crime

One possible explanation is that these sites draw high foot traffic while having limited ability to monitor public activity. That combination may give potential offenders more opportunities to target weakly guarded people or property.

How does this research affect people with disabilities and seniors

People with disabilities and older adults may be more vulnerable to crime, so the findings encourage greater community awareness. They also support targeted safety measures around high-traffic community spaces.

What other places act as crime generators

The author compares places of worship to shopping malls, central business districts, restaurants, and retail stores. These locations have also been identified as sites that can unintentionally generate crime.

What future research is suggested

Researchers could track crime statistics over time as places of worship open or close and gather data on foot traffic and civic engagement. Studies in other U.S. cities and worldwide could also test whether the same patterns appear.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: While places of worship play vital roles in fostering community and social cohesion, this study underscores the unintended consequences they may have on neighborhood crime rates. It's a bit unsettling to think that places of worship - spots we often see as symbols of calm and goodness - might actually stir up trouble in their neighborhoods. This report points out a gritty reality: more people coming and going can mean more chances for crime, especially if no one's keeping a close eye. For those with disabilities or older folks who might feel more vulnerable, this isn't just numbers - it's a heads-up to maybe pick their spots more carefully or push for better security. The bigger takeaway? Even sacred spaces aren't immune to the messiness of human behavior, and that's worth chewing on next time you're near a church or temple. Balancing the positive contributions of these institutions with proactive safety strategies is essential to protect all community members, especially those who are most vulnerable.*

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by PLoS ONE and published on 9 Mar 2023, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.