Fear of Crime and Crime Prevention Competence Among the Elderly

• NCJ Number: 121404
• Author(s): G J O'Keefe; K Reid-Nash
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 38 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented to Division of Adult Development and Aging, American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Los Angeles, Ca., August 1985

Annotation

National Crime Survey data indicate that the rate of victimization for citizens 65 and over is comparatively lower than for other adults.

Abstract

However, the elderly are particularly prone to crimes motivated by economic gain including an element of theft. In urban areas, the elderly have the highest rates for crimes involving personal larceny with contact and are as likely as other adults to be robbed. Additionally, the elderly are far likelier than those under 65 to be victimized during daytime hours. They are more likely to have the crimes take place in or around their homes and to be victimized by strangers. The elderly are less likely to be subjected to physical attacks, less prone to incidents involving weapons, and less likely to try and protect themselves in these instances, even in passive ways such as screaming for help. The elderly are also more susceptible to crimes of fraud, confidence games, medical quackery and harassment by youths. Elderly perceptions of crime prevention are discussed in an effort to understand their capabilities and confidence toward prevention behavior and how they define responsibility for crime prevention efforts. Theoretical and policy related implications are also discussed. 53 references, 16 tables. (Author abstract modified)