THE EFFECTS OF WEATHER ON CRIME RATES IN MALAYSIA

Authors

  • Muzafar Shah Habibullah

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33736/ijbs.482.2017

Abstract

This study estimates the effects of temperature and rainfall on the prevalence of criminal activity in Malaysia. The analysis is based on annual data for the period 1973-2009, on temperature, rainfall and crime rates – total crime, violent and property crime. By using the generalized one-step error-correction model, we examine the short-run and long-run dynamics between crime rates with varying temperatures and rainfall in Malaysia. Our results suggest that there is long-run relationship between total crime and property crimes with weather in Malaysia. The long-run coefficients indicate a positive impact of temperature (hot weather) on criminal activity. Our results imply that the law enforcement would have a better understanding of how the weather affects crime and a chance for the authorities to better prepare their departments during weather conditions that influence certain criminal activities.
Keywords: Crime; Temperature; Rainfall; Generalized error-correction model; Malaysia.

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Published

2017-11-17

How to Cite

Habibullah, M. S. (2017). THE EFFECTS OF WEATHER ON CRIME RATES IN MALAYSIA. International Journal of Business and Society, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.33736/ijbs.482.2017