Visual Representations to Evaluate the Heterogeneous Effects of Urban Parks Restoration on Crime

Julián Chitiva Bocanegra, Douglas Newball Ramírez, Paula Rodríguez Díaz, Hamadys Benavides Gutiérrez, Mateo Dulce Rubio, Alvaro Riascos

Abstract: This paper exploits Bogotá D.C.’s public parks images information to explore heterogeneity in the impact of parks restoration on crime. Given the quasi-experimental nature of the intervention, the traditional Difference-in-Differences methodology and a Difference-in-Difference methodology combined with the Double Selection method are implemented. It is found that, on average, the intervention reduced homicides and personal injuries by 37% and 8%, respectively. No impact is found for robberies. Heterogeneous effects with respect to LDA images visual topics are estimated. It is found that as the initial aspect of the park worsens, the effect of the intervention on homicides and personal injuries decreases.