NCJ Number
101402
Date Published
1984
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examines the results and implications of U.S. and Canadian research that analyzed the spatial distribution of burglary and burglars' target-choice behavior. A police crime prevention program in British Columbia is described.
Abstract
Studies in Tallahassee, Fla.; Vancouver, and British Columbia, Canada; and Chicago, Ill.; indicate that burglars have a restricted target-search area characterized by high community activity, major roads or paths, and area landmarks. This should suggest to researchers that a building's location in the community may be more important than building design and physical security in determining its selection for burglary. In targeting burglars' mobility patterns and high-risk sites for crime prevention measures, planners should consider the likelihood of crime displacement to other areas or types of offenses. British Columbia is currently reorienting its crime prevention activities toward a process model based on criminal motivation, target attractiveness, and information on criminal target-search behavior. Four case situations illustrate how the program develops crime prevention measures from site-specific analyses. Tabular data and 44 references.