ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL PLANNING IMPLICATIONS ON CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES IN THE CORE OF AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization coupled with urban growth causes rural-urban migration and population increase which is associated with increase in crime cannot be overemphasized. This study seeks to assess the physical planning implication of crime prevention measures put in place in the core of Akure with a view to determine whether the measures are effective in crime reduction. The study identified the core and questionnaires were administered to respondents in each areas. Analytical tables and charts were used in discussing the various crime related issues, and challenges being encountered in the study area. On the prevalence of crime, analysis of findings revealed that theft and assault with other crimes, which includes kidnapping, rape, extortion and murder still existed in the core of Akure. It is either at a low scale or respondents are undecided about it. Further crime analysis using spatial data revealed that crime are dominant along the road and within the market area except for rape which respondents claimed that it doesn’t happen in the innermost part of the area but at the fringe of the study area. Appropriately, the study made recommendations toward improving the safety and security of lives and properties which will improve crime prevention in the core of Akure. Residents need to be sensitized on the importance of self-defense and other measures that can be used to prevent crime at neighborhood level. Gang activities, the use of drugs and alcohol in the study area and beyond should be controlled by putting in place task forces which will include the police, civil defense corps, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency officers and other crime prevention agencies. There is also need for aggressive public enlightenment of the people in the core of Akure on the need to consult an urban planner at the initial stage of any physical planning and development project on land.