Geographical factors affecting livestock theft and disciplinary prevention strategies (Case study villages of Hamadan county)

 Geographical factors have long been considered as an important and influential element in the politics and security of countries. Cattle theft is one of the most important crimes in rural areas that affects the security of villagers. The aim of this study was to identify the geographical factors affecting livestock theft in rural areas of Hamadan city with emphasis on disciplinary prevention.

 This research was conducted by combined method. The statistical population of the quantitative section, the total number of cattle theft crimes in rural areas of Hamadan city, the sample size was equal to the statistical population. The statistical population of the quality section consisted of 16 expert police in the center of the province and the city of Hamadan. The crime of cattle theft was analyzed in the first phase of the research using graphic maps and geographical factors. Based on the results of the first stage in the qualitative stage, the semi-structured interview technique was used to identify and develop police prevention strategies for cattle theft.

 The findings showed that the population and typology of rural tissue had a significant relationship with livestock theft and more theft occurred in villages with higher populations and dense tissue. There was no significant relationship between the variables of geographical location and typology of village roads with livestock theft.

The results of the study showed that the proper location of police and police patrols based on the topography of villages and continuous education of the village population by the authorities, are the main factors in preventing the occurrence of cattle theft.