Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Assault with Dangerous Weapons: Uncovering Land Use Correlates of Violent Crime in Malaysian Urban Centres

Abstract

This study investigates armed assaults (Section 324 offences) in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (2015–2020) by integrating police crime records with high-resolution GIS land use data. Using optimized Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*), we identify significant spatio-temporal clusters. Assaults concentrate in transit corridors and institutional or commercial zones during evening hours, while residential areas show heightened night-time risk. Violence is not randomly distributed; rather it correlates with land use and time-of-day. These findings challenge conventional criminological models and advocate GIS-driven, multidisciplinary crime prevention. The results guide targeted environmental design interventions and predictive policing for safer urban spaces.