The study examines the spatial relationship between drug trading locations and crime in a post Soviet urban context using location quotients and cluster mapping techniques. By analysing long term drug distribution sites in Klaipeda, Lithuania, across two periods, 2001 to 2005 and 2006 to 2010, the research evaluates changes in the concentration and structure of criminal activity in their surrounding environments. The findings demonstrate that drug trading spots exert a strong localised influence on criminogenic conditions, with crime levels near drug selling locations substantially exceeding citywide averages. While overall crime declined during the study period, the spatial concentration of violent crime intensified, particularly around socially marginalised facilities such as shelter houses and former industrial apartment buildings. At the same time, drug related activity and associated crime increasingly shifted towards spaces of conspicuous consumption, including night clubs and shopping centres. The results highlight the continued relevance of social disorganisation and routine activities theories while also pointing to a reconfiguration of crime patterns shaped by urban transformation and enforcement priorities.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.