ASSESSMENT OF THEFT AND ROBBERY RECORDS AGAINST RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN GOIÁS IN 2017 AND 2018

Abstract

This study assesses the records of thefts and robberies against rural properties in the Brazilian State of Goiás for the years of 2017 and 2018. Data were collected from the Integrated Attendance Records (RAI) system of the State of Goiás Public Security Department. The study assesses: 1. The thefts and robberies records across all municipalities, 2. The list of subtracted goods, 3. The regional concentration of crimes, 4. The spatial distribution of these crimes in comparison with maps of agricultural production, and 5. The correlations of theft and robbery records with socioeconomic indicators. Results reveal that: 1. Theft represent 90% of the crimes against rural properties in Goiás while robbery represent 10% of the total; 2. The main goods taken in thefts are cattle herds, household appliances, tools and household items, while most stolen goods in robberies are firearms, cash and vehicles; 3. The south, center and east of Goiás encompasses the largest amount of thefts and robberies; 4. The criminal maps largely overlaps with the areas of greatest concentration of agricultural production; 5. Crime records have a strong and positive statistical correlation with both the number of rural households. As regions with the largest rural development records have higher rates of thefts and robberies against rural properties, these regions demand dedicated security policies targeting rural areas.