NCJ Number
128686
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1990) Pages: 467-491
Date Published
1990
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study used 1984 National Crime Survey (Victims Risk Supplement) data to identify different domains of crime prevention activity and to investigate who participates in crime prevention.
Abstract
Crime prevention actions in the analysis included multiple locks on doors, door peepholes, firearms, dogs, participation in neighborhood watch, watching neighbors' homes, burglar alarms, property marking, carrying protection when away from home, and staying home for safety reasons. Subjects reported their victimization experiences and fear of crime levels. Victimization and fear were used in the study because of their logical and theoretical relevance to crime prevention behavior. Factor analysis revealed clearly separate domains of crime prevention behavior by citizens. The 10 crime prevention actions represented 5 underlying domains: personal access control, target hardening, personal security, surveillance, and avoidance. Demographic variables had little impact on victimization, although different demographic and crime-related factors influenced participation in crime prevention activities. Younger people exhibited more fear of crime than older people contrary to prevailing literature. The results suggest that participation in crime prevention is complex and that more information is needed about who participates in crime prevention programs in order to promote such participation more effectively. 36 references and 9 tables