Summary
"The study's objective was to provide a comparative spatial-statistical analysis of arson target selection patterns between single time and serial arsonists across various jurisdictions in the Greater Vancouver Region of British Columbia. The sample consisted of arson cases cleared with a charge laid to an offender; 46 single time arsonists charged with 32 arsons and 7 serial arsonists charged with 69 arsons. Data were obtained via two police databases, PIRS from the RCMP and PRIME from the VDP as well as through case files of serial arsonists. The arsonist's residential locations were documented and the distance between was measured for a comparative spatial-statistical analysis. The average distance travelled from home to crime scene for the arsonists in total was 2.17 km. The results showed that the single time arsonists traveled further on average to select targets (3.38 km) than the serial arsonists (1.49 km). The difference in the distance travelled to crime scene between the two samples was statistically significant (p < .001). The study revealed a specific geographical range of target selection favored by arsonists within which the majority of arsons were committed, approximately 0.25 km to 2 km from their residence. The results lend credence to the salience of well-documented phenomena of the awareness space and buffer zone within the spatial target selection patterns of both single and serial arsonists. Inferences towards the utility of the findings for Law Enforcement Investigation of serial arson are suggested as well as future research trajectories inthe area of spatial analysis and the crime of arson"--Abstract.