NCJ Number
101401
Date Published
1984
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This British study reviews theories that explain burglary rate disparities among communities, assesses their relevance to high-risk communities, and draws implications for community action.
Abstract
Theories that explain geographical disparities in burglary rates focus on neighborhood affluence, environmental vulnerability as defined by defensible space theory, a community's social cohesion, a neighborhood's reputation as a 'soft' target, and the proximity of neighborhoods to offenders' residences. Studies indicate that most residential burglars travel less than 4 miles from their residences to commit burglaries. Most confine their activities to the same sorts of neighborhoods in which they reside. Studies of burglary patterns identify three types of British communities at risk: transitional inner-city districts, problem council estates (public housing), and affluent neighborhoods. Three major British studies (Walsh, 1980; Maguire, 1982; Winchester and Jackson, 1982) have the common conclusion that burglary prevention efforts must derive from the character of local communities. Residents in each community should be informed about burglary patterns in the community, including methods commonly used. Data on offender profiles for neighborhoods can help in tailoring prevention efforts, and prevention initiatives should focus on increasing residents' security consciousness. Communication must also be facilitated among all parties involved in burglary dynamics. 31 references.