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Crime-time: how ambient light affects crime

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  • Patricio Domínguez
  • Kenzo Asahi

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of sunlight on crime, taking advantage of a daylight saving time (DST) policy. We find a 30% decrease in robberies when the DST transition increases the amount of sunlight by 1 h during the 7–9 p.m. period. We document a symmetric reaction when DST decreases sunlight exposure. We complement these findings by showing that the response induced by DST is not associated with a plausible demand-side response such as the population’s commuting patterns and we find no substantial short-term displacement of crime. Our results show that ambient light is a key driver of criminal activity in urban spaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Patricio Domínguez & Kenzo Asahi, 2023. "Crime-time: how ambient light affects crime," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 23(2), pages 299-317.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jecgeo:v:23:y:2023:i:2:p:299-317.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jeg/lbac011
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    Cited by:

    1. Steve A. Fotios & Chloe J. Robbins & Stephen Farrall, 2021. "The Effect of Lighting on Crime Counts," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Jelnov, Pavel, 2021. "Sunset Long Shadows: Time, Crime, and Perception of Change," IZA Discussion Papers 14770, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Jonathan James, 2023. "Let there be light: Daylight saving time and road traffic collisions," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 61(3), pages 523-545, July.
    4. Kikuta,Kyosuke, 2024. "Eclipse: How Darkness Shapes Violence in Africa," IDE Discussion Papers 941, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles

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