The geography of bus shelter damage: the influence of crime, neighbourhood characteristics and land-use

This paper offers unique insights into the distribution of damage to bus shelters, in a single
case study area, Merseyside (UK). The geography of bus shelter damage is examined in
relation to the criminogenic and socio-economic characteristics of its neighbourhood, and
the local land use context. The findings suggest that shelter damage is related in a known
and predictable way to known characteristics of its neighbourhood, and that shelters in
areas with high levels of anti social behaviour and violence against the person are more
susceptible to bus shelter damage. Two key factors in the occurrence of bus shelter
damage appear to be lack of capable guardianships and the presence of youths. In relation
to the influence of land use, the presence of parks, children s play areas and schools
(particularly those whose unauthorised truancy levels were above the national average)
were positively correlated with shelter damage. By contrast, negative relationships were
found between shelter damage and the presence of pubs, clubs, and off-licenses. The
implications of these findings for crime prevention are then discussed, alongside some
potential avenues for future research.