The emerging research on urban morphology provide sufficient explorations that result in a better understanding of crime areas and fear of crime in cities. Despite the effort so far, the existing literature on morphology of crime areas and pattern of crime presents different perspectives to the study of crime and spaces, reflecting the varied field of urban morphological research. There is a need to understand these perspectives in view of their directions and inherent limitations for effective understanding of crime pattern and urban morphogenesis in cities. The focus of the paper is on the understanding of different perspectives in the study of crime pattern and urban morphology in setting up an effective mechanism for crime prevention and control. Twenty (20) paper articles and six (6) theses published between 2010 - 2021 were selected based on the Environmental criminological research perspectives from the field of Geography, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture and Architecture; and systematically reviewed based on their characteristics and then classified according to their relevance to environmental criminology for analysis and drawing of inferences. The findings indicated that, there is inadequate empirical research on the influence of urban morphology on crime pattern in cities. Therefore, the paper recommends for further research to focus on exploring the various links between elements of urban morphology and spatial distribution of crime in areas, and the explanations that could provide for effective crime prevention and control in cities.

Purpose Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is one of the fastest growing capital cities in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, the city is experiencing an alarming rate of burglary and violent crimes, while the city planning management frameworks lacks adequate and effective crime mapping, monitoring and management techniques necessary for achieving liveable and safe environment for habitation despite its grandiose spatial planning and aesthetically appealing architectural design as a modern city. Based on police crime records (2007–2018) and geospatial analysis, this paper aims to provide adequate understanding on the interplay of land use configuration and burglary crime formation in residential neighbourhoods of Abuja, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The methods used for the purpose of data collection includes; field survey, Block Environmental Inventory, while inferential statistics and Geographic Information System tools was used for data analysis. The analysis established that Lagos, Nsukka and Enugu Streets are hotspots; while Chief Palace street, Ladoke Akintola and Oka-Akoko streets were found to be cold spots. Findings This study, however, established the applicability of crime pattern, opportunity theory and routine activity theory in understanding the rising burglary crime events in the study areas and the link between physical characteristics of street block typology and burglary crime pattern. The results of the analysis has in a way affirmed the positions of the theories, while disagreed with them in cases where the results indicated contrary outcome. Originality/value This paper concluded with inference drawn from the results that supported mixed-use development but with built-in crime prevention through environmental design strategies as effective burglary crime prevention mechanisms that contribute to crime rate reduction.