NCJ Number
89849
Journal
Business Horizons Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: (1982) Pages: 60-65
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Economic and social factors have contributed to large increases in U.S. crime since World War II by providing more suitable targets, offering more motives, and reducing guardians that deter crime, but similar influences may decrease crime in the future.
Abstract
Products manufactured by American industry have been getting more compact and lighter and thus easier to steal, hide, and transport. In addition, economic prosperity has meant that there was more to steal. Individuals between 15 and 34 have always been likely to commit crime more than other age groups, and this cohort increased greatly in the 1960's. While jurisdictions have increased police manpower, the real guardians of property -- wives who stayed at home and neighbors who could spot strangers -- have declined. Moreover, more disposable income has enabled people to take extended vacations and spend more time out in the evening. Businesses no longer have knowledgeable clerks to help customers individually, but arrange merchandise so shoppers can hold and examine it. Crime reporting to the police has increased as more people carry insurance, more reporting mechanisms are available, and victims of certain types of crime -- such as rape -- are more willing to report. The number of suitable targets probably will not decrease in the future, and the influx of illegal immigrants could offset the aging of the baby boom cohort. However, economic pressures may keep families at home more and force individuals into condominiums or apartments instead of single family homes. Rates of reporting will probably increase, as will crimes against and by women. Technology coupled with advertising might deter crime. The article includes four footnotes.