Not Just for Adults: Juveniles in Crime Places—Ranking Land Uses by Crime Across Age Groups

This study examines whether crime locations are similar or different for juveniles and adults by comparing the distribution of offenses across land uses and their changes over time. Using 6 years of crime data from Colorado Springs, we calculated rank products for each of 35 land uses, stratified by age group and offense type, and summarized rank stability with interquartile ranges. Findings show both similarities and disparities in the rank order of crime locations for juveniles versus adults, with overlaps reflecting shared perceptions of opportunity and differences reflecting age-specific routines. Wider interquartile ranges indicate juvenile crime locations fluctuate more across years, whereas adult patterns exhibit greater spatial consistency and specialization. Prevention strategies should reflect this age-contingent spatial ecology of offending.