When the study data concludes, a 10% increase in the number of active Airbnb rentals in the capital will translate into an extra 1,000 robberies annually around the city over 2018 levels, according to the researchers.
According to the study, between 2015 and 2018, there was a “positive association” between the quantity of units classified as Airbnb rentals and violent crimes and robberies recorded to the police in London neighborhoods.
According to urban sociologists, the sharp rise in crime rates that coincides with new rental properties indicates that there are more chances for crime rather than other factors at play.
Dr. Charles Lanfear, a co-author of the study from Cambridge’s Institute of Criminology, stated, “We looked for the most likely alternative explanations, from changes in police patrols to tourist hotspots and even football matches.”
The fundamental conclusion that Airbnb rentals are linked to greater crime rates in London neighborhoods remained unchanged.
Although Airbnb helps both hosts and guests in terms of convenience and financial gain, converting huge portions of urban neighborhoods into hotels with no oversight may have societal repercussions.
