Seasonality of property crime in Hong Kong

Rates of property crime (burglary and theft) in Hong Kong for the period 1991-2000 were analysed to determine their relationships with seasons. Regression analysis (using dummy variables) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to test the existence of seasonality. A dummy variable regression model was used to examine whether property crime rates varied more in some months than others. Results indicated the absence of seasonality in burglary and total theft. Shop theft had a winter peak and snatching and pickpocketing had a weak summer crest. The Hong Kong experience is different from that of other regions and this present study acts as a cross-cultural perspective to the topic of crime seasonality.