Places of Worship Linked to More Neighborhood Crime

Author: PLoS ONE
Published: 2023/03/09 - Updated: 2025/03/03
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Survey, Analysis
Topic: Disability and Religion - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

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 - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

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.

Main Item

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.

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 - Disabled World (DW).

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 2023/03/09, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, PLoS ONE can be contacted at plos.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

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Citing and References

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Cite This Page: PLoS ONE. (2023, March 9 - Last revised: 2025, March 3). Places of Worship Linked to More Neighborhood Crime. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved May 2, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/communication/religion/religious-crime.php

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