Exploring UK crime networks

This paper describes our experiences with three different crime networks in the UK: burglary, 'gun' gangs and retail theft. We present an introduction into each of these problems, and highlight some of the issues related to over-simplification of the network analysis. We also review the term `third-generation' analysis, and provide some insights into achieving this, but also conclude that it can be an extremely computationally expensive undertaking

Data Exploration with GIS Viewsheds and Social Network Analysis

We present a novel exploratory method combining line of sight visibility (viewshed analysis) and techniques from social network analysis to investigate archaeological data. At increasing distances different nodes are connected creating a set of networks, which are subsequently described using centrality measures and clustering coefficients. Networks with significant properties are examined in more detail. We use this method to investigate the placement of hillforts (nodes) in the Gwent region of south-east Wales, UK. We are able to determine distances that support significant transitions in network structure that could have significant archaeological validity

Digital Footprints: Envisaging and Analysing Online Behaviour

Our long-term research goal is the development of complex (and adaptive) behavioural modelling and profiling using a multitude of online datasets; in this paper we look at suitable tools for use in big social data, specifically here on how to ‘envisage’ this complex information. We present a novel way of representing personality traits (using the Five Factor model) with behavioural features (fantasy and profanity). We also present some preliminary ideas around developing a scalable solution to modelling behaviour using swear words

CCTV as a Smart Sensor Network

With the emergence of so-called 'smart CCTV' being able to recognise the precursors for disorder and civil disobedience, we present a preliminary study into using available CCTV networks augmented with big social media datasets. We examine the existing CCTV infrastructure in the UK, and use an agent-based simulation to model interactions between people based on friendship networks and features derived from their social media usage, proposing a novel algorithm for detection of psychopathy. Finally, we explore the frequency of crimes occurring within CCTV viewsheds using available UK police crime datasets to illustrate the current limitations of the CCTV infrastructure, as well as the potential ramifications of the stealthy emergence of CCTV networks as the fifth utility in smart cities