Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Criminology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson

Advisor Role

Dr. Judy Eaton

Second Advisor

Dr. Clair Uding

Abstract

This study examines the predictors of fear of crime (FOC) across three Canadian municipalities: Hamilton, Ontario; Brantford, Ontario; and North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Data from 1,956 survey responses were analyzed to understand how certain factors shape FOC across different municipal contexts in Canada. This study uses descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, correlation matrices, and Ordinary Least Squares regression models to examine whether FOC, and the predictors of FOC, operate consistently across municipalities. The findings indicate that the predictors of FOC are relatively reliable across municipal contexts. However, the influence of the predictors of FOC can vary across municipalities. Importantly, the level of FOC in North Battleford is significantly higher when compared to Hamilton and Brantford, highlighting the importance of controlling for municipal context. Overall, this study contributes to Canadian FOC research by testing the reliability of measures across multiple municipalities and demonstrating that the level of FOC can differ across locations. These findings support the need for localized, evidence-based responses that address local levels and predictors of FOC, and account for these contextual differences across communities.

Convocation Year

2026

Convocation Season

Fall

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