Spatial analysis of the relationship between crime rates and economic factors: An application on EU countries

There are different factors that affect crime rates. In this context, in places where crime rates are high, both different social problems and more criminal acts are observed. Looking at the statistical data of recent years, it is seen that crime rates have increased in parallel with the social and economic problems seen in western countries. For this reason, in this study, a total of 37 European countries, including 27 European Union countries and Turkey, were examined. The relationship between crime rates and economic factors was examined with the help of spatial econometric model, annual data covering the period 2006-2021. As the independent variable in the study; Unemployment, inflation and GDP were used. It has been determined that there is a significant relationship between these selected economic factors and crime. It was also concluded that the crime rates of countries that are spatially adjacent to each other affect each other.