The Impact of Seasonal Climate Changes on Crime in Libya

Abstract

The study of the dimensions of the natural environment is essential for understanding its relationship with crime and contributes significantly to the spatial-temporal analysis of criminal activities. Also facilitates the identification of the most prevalent crime patterns. Examining weather conditions in Libya and analyzing their association with criminal behavior can greatly assist in identifying crime hotspots, as weather-related stressors may contribute to an increase in aggressive and violent crimes, among other forms of criminal activities. Criminal statistics indicate a continuous increase in the number of crimes from one year to another due to several interrelated factors that are difficult to isolate. During the period 2000–2025, crime rates ranged between 85 and 193 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. The research problem focused on investigating the relationship between weather conditions and crime rates through scientific analysis using geographical research methodologies, particularly the descriptive and quantitative approaches. These methods enabled the attainment of significant scientific findings regarding the subject. An examination of the monthly distribution of crime rates revealed an upward trend beginning in March, when the crime rate reached approximately 79.04 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. The rate continued to increase until it peaked in July at 195.7 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. These findings clearly demonstrate the influence of seasonal and climatic factors on crime patterns and rates. Accordingly, the study highlights a relatively unconventional topic that may provide valuable insights for decision-makers seeking to enhance national security and crime prevention strategies.