NCJ Number
114983
Date Published
1988
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Property crime victimization in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is described, based on findings of the Canadian Urban Victimization Survey conducted in 1982 and 1985.
Abstract
Citizens provided information about their perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system, their experiences with crime during the previous year, and the impact the experiences had on them. During the three years between the surveys the proportion of adult males, unemployment, and evening activities all increased. However, the expected increase in the incidence of property crime did not occur. Instead, property crimes decreased by 16 percent from 1981 to 1984. Property crimes recorded by the Edmonton police also decreased. In addition, the demographic differences between the central area and surrounding suburbs did not translate into significant differences in property rates. The majority of victims experienced one or more emotional or physical reactions following the incident. Findings indicated the effectiveness of target-hardening strategies like making homes appear occupied and improving locking systems. Results also showed that serious crime is relatively rate in Canadian cities. Discussions of specific types of crimes, tables, figures, 7 suggested readings, and appended methodological information.