NCJ Number
82065
Date Published
1981
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Levels at which the public uses various home protection measures are examined in relation to various variables, including demographic characteristics, victimization experiences, perceptions of the neighborhood environment and crime-related problems, and perceptions about the efficacy of antiburglary measures.
Abstract
A random digit dialing telephoning procedure was used to complete 1,803 interviews with Chicago metropolitan area residents. A selection matrix was used for each household to stratify respondent selection for sex and age. One English speaking adult member (19 years or older) of each household was chosen as the respondent. Each respondent was asked whether he/she had used any of seven household anticrime measures: (1) alarms, window bars, and special locks; (2) special outdoor lighting; (3) a handgun; (4) an indoor timer; (5) engraved valuables; (6) theft/vandalism insurance; and (7) neighbors to watch their unoccupied home. Standard demographic information was obtained from each respondent, along with information on direct and vicarious experience with burglary, attendance at neighborhood anticrime meetings in the past few years, an estimate of the likelihood that respondents' homes would be burglarized in the next few years, and perceptions of how effective home protective measures would be in preventing burglary. Contextual data were obtained from each suburb and community areas in which respondents lived. Findings show that (1) burglary prevention measures are used in combination; (2) homeowners are more likely than renters to take protective measures; (3) renters with higher income are more likely to use protective measures than renters with low income; (4) the use of protective measures is related to belief in their effectiveness in preventing burglary; and (5) members of community organizations are significantly more likely than nonmembers to use home protection measures. Tabular data, 22 references, and 2 notes are provided.