NCJ Number
127153
Journal
Pepperdine Law Review Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 145-156
Date Published
1989
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study discusses the profile, modus operandi, motives, and thought processes of offenders who commit predatory property crimes (robbery and burglary).
Abstract
The majority of predatory property offenders are young, male, and undereducated; they lack marketable job skills, are either unemployed or marginally employed, and are from lower socioeconomic classes. In urban areas, most predatory offenders are black, with the percentage of Hispanics growing. A significant number are from dysfunctional families, regardless of socioeconomic class. Home burglaries are generally committed by males between the ages of 14 and 30. Targets are randomly selected based on indicators that no one is at home. Targets are typically unoccupied, upscale, single-family dwellings with easy access and no dogs or alarms. Robbery is typically committed by young, unskilled males. Offenders show a weapon and demand money. When victims do not comply, they are usually injured. Violence may result because of the offender's need to display power and dominate the victim. Predatory property offenders use rationalization and denial to screen out feelings for or guilt toward their victims. Victims are typically viewed as "fools," "chumps," or "sissies." 30 footnotes