Opportunity knocks? Parking regulations and automotive thefts in the age of coronavirus

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between adjustments in parking regulations in major American cities in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus and vehicle thefts.

Design/methodology/approach

Vehicle theft data from the 25 most populous American cities were collected between 2019 and 2020. Information was also collected on the type, severity and number of changes to parking enforcement regulations made in March and April 2020 in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus in the USA.

Findings

This analysis shows that the relaxation of parking regulations is associated with a significant increase in the number of vehicle thefts in major metropolitan areas.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research cannot prove a cause and effect relationship, statistical analysis of the data shows that policy change and vehicle thefts are related variables.

Practical implications

Guide for future policies-increase awareness; promote safety; promote accountability.

Originality/value

The comparison of increased vehicle thefts to parking enforcement policies; to policymakers, the general public.

Citation

Hasnah, G. (2021), "Opportunity knocks? Parking regulations and automotive thefts in the age of coronavirus", Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 209-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-09-2020-0063