Understanding the Link between Temperature and Crime

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2024
Volume: 16
Issue: 2
Pages: 480-514

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

The correlation between hot weather and crime is well documented but not fully understood. We combine millions of administrative records, victimization surveys on unreported crime, and daily weather information to analyze the effect of temperatures on crime in Mexico. We find that sample selection cannot explain the observed positive correlation between temperature and crime. Moreover, we find that shifts in alcohol consumption and time use on weekends are responsible for 28 percent of temperature-induced crimes. We also observe changes in the hour and location of crimes, providing new evidence on the importance of time use as a determinant of crime.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejpol:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:480-514
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25