This paper explores the situational factors that explain why crime in Bormla occurs in certain areas and not others. Bormla, one of the oldest cities in Malta, is the fifth crime hotspot on the Maltese Islands. The objective of this paper is to find out whether socio-demographic aspects and/or other contextual aspects are linked with the rate and type of crime that takes place within this city. A multi-method approach was adopted for the purposes of this paper. Statistics issued by the Malta police were analysed to find out which criminal offences occur there, and in which location. This analysis took place with the help of Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Qualitative and quantitative data collected through a needs assessment exercise conducted with a sample of Bormla respondents in 2009 and 2010 was also analysed to find out whether residents concurred with this official picture of what type of crime takes place there, and where it occurs. Residents were also asked whether they felt safe living in this crime hotspot, when and where they felt safe, and why.
A B S T R A C TMaltese criminology can be said to occupy a significant place in the national life of Malta. As a course of study, criminology makes a relatively recent appearance with the founding of the Institute of Forensic Studies at the University of Malta in 1993, although Maltese criminology has roots in forensic medicine from the 19th century. Criminologists in Malta, in their role of teaching and training police, probation and other criminal justice officials, have an identifiable influence on the practice of criminal justice. Some institutions are more reluctant than others to incorporate academic research into the policy-making process, but there is a well-prepared core of researchers carrying out relevant research.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.