NCJ Number
146982
Date Published
1992
Length
89 pages
Annotation
In addition to providing statistics and information on crime trends in the Netherlands from 1980 through 1991, this report addresses crime prevention efforts, fear of crime, victim characteristics, and clearance rates.
Abstract
Data were obtained from police records and national and business victimization surveys. According to police statistics, crime in the Netherlands increased to a high level during the 1970's and the first half of the 1980's. In 1990, a modest decrease occurred for the first time. In 1991, reported crimes again increased. Most striking in the 1991 police statistics was the increase in car theft (20 percent), robberies in financial institutions (30 percent), robberies of citizens in the street (100 percent), and crimes against life (15 percent). Victimization surveys show that petty crime against citizens has not increased. Fear of crime in the Dutch citizenry has been steady over the last 10 years. Surveys show, however, that the citizenry considers crime a major problem in the Netherlands. The crime-rate increase in the last decade has resulted in a drop in the clearance rate. In 1991, approximately 20 percent of the criminal acts recorded by the police were cleared. Young people are more at risk for victimization than older people, and victimization risks are highest in urban areas and in cities with a high population density. Since 1980, more Dutch citizens have taken crime prevention measures, although there was a leveling off of such efforts in 1990. More people are using burglary-safe locks, put valuable possessions out of sight, park cars and bicycles in safe places, and use an alarm system. Citizens expect the police to take an active role in crime prevention efforts. 41 tables and 38 references