Temporal Patterns of Danish Residential Burglary. By Month, Day of Week, and Hour of Day

By David W.M. Sorensen

This report examines the distribution of residential burglary in Denmark. Specifically, it examines 31,081 completed burglaries (with entry or loss) at villas, apartments and farmhouses reported to police in 2002 by season/month/week of year, day of week, and hour of day. The report has two purposes: (1) to describe a method for estimating the temporal distribution of crimes - such as burglary and auto theft - that are difficult to pinpoint precisely in time, and (2) to provide an overview of the days and times when reported burglaries occur. The distribution of burglary across time is interesting because it suggests the days and times at which crime prevention efforts should be most effective.

Copenhagen: University of Copenhagen, School of Law. 2004. 36p.