Crime in Lithuanian Cities in Relation to Urban Planning and Design Aspects

Crime is a social phenomenon, which is closely related to human behaviour, economics, urban planning and design. The detailed research of six blocks of houses in three Lithuanian cities (Kaunas, Vilnius and Panevezys) with the highest crime rates and the most heterogeneous crimes was performed. Space syntax method, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and correlation analysis were applied. Research results demonstrate that thefts from cars, other thefts, crime against human health, robberies, small-scale hooliganism and intentional damage or destruction of property correlate with particular properties of urban spaces and design elements.