NCJ Number
209961
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 45 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2005 Pages: 355-372
Editor(s)
Geoffrey Pearson
Date Published
May 2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined the nature of the links between the consumption of heroin and crack cocaine and the committal of crime with a view to identifying the extent to which consuming these drugs causes crime in general and street crime in particular.
Abstract
Although there has been a wealth of research into the links between heroin use and crime in general, there has been an absence of research into the links between heroin, crack cocaine, and street crime. This study attempted to fill the gap in the research literature and examined the criminal career trajectories of heroin and crack cocaine users. First, the study sought to establish whether the heroin and crack cocaine use preceded participation in crime in general and street crime in particular or vice versa, and secondly, to establish offenders’ reasons for participating in crime and street crime, specifically to identify whether these reasons were drug-related. Results indicate there was not a direct causal relationship between heroin, crack cocaine use, and levels of participation in property-related acquisitive crimes. In addition, there was not a direct causal relationship found between heroin and crack cocaine use and participation in person-related acquisitive crimes. References