Spatial And Temporal Distribution of Crime in Tokat City Center and Rural Areas

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of crime in Tokat city center and surrounding rural areas between 2017 and 2021. Crime, a universal phenomenon, is examined within the context of its relationship with geography, focusing on its spatial and temporal dynamics. The study area includes the rural regions under the jurisdiction of the gendarmerie, with particular emphasis on crimes committed in these areas. Methodologically, data were obtained from the relevant institutions and processed through Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS 10.8 to visualize and analyze crime patterns. The GIS tools allowed for the creation of crime maps, enabling a clearer understanding of the relationship between crime and space. The findings indicate that urbanization and industrialization are major factors contributing to higher crime rates in city centers compared to rural areas. While urban areas experience more complex socio-cultural dynamics and increased crime rates, the rural areas exhibit relatively lower rates of crime, although not negligible. This spatial and temporal analysis of crime contributes to a better understanding of how social, economic, and environmental factors influence crime distribution in different geographic contexts.