Grant 48/10-11: Community variations in hoax calls and suspicious fires: Geographic, temporal and socio-economic dimensions and trajectories

CRG Report Number
4810-11

Both Malicious hoax calls and suspicious fires are a significant burden to the community, financially and in the potential danger they present, yet little is known about the dynamics associated with their prevalence.  This research comprehensively examined these offences using unit-level location data supplied by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. The research applied a suite of advanced geographically orientated methods of visualisation and spatially based temporal modelling to provide critical information regarding the persistent, transient and emergent nature of hotspots of these offences which can now be used to guide optimal resource allocation in anticipation of likely load. The evidence base generated by this research enhances our understanding of the patterning of these offences providing the necessary foundation for future crime prevention activities.