Repeat Victimization: A Study of Auto Theft in Atlantic City Using the WALLS Variables to Measure Environmental Indicators

• NCJ Number: 231705
• Journal: Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2010 Pages: 296-318
• Author(s): Marissa P. Levy; Christine Tartaro
• Date Published: September 2010
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Special issue on Situational Crime Prevention: Policy & Research. For additional articles see NCJ-231704 and NCJ-231706-708.

Annotation

This study revisited repeat auto theft locations found in Atlantic City for 2004 and 2005 and compared those with the sites of repeat victimization during 2006 and 2007.

Abstract

The study of the repeat victimization phenomenon is at the forefront of research in environmental criminology and situational crime prevention (SCP). This study utilizes a unique approach in that it compares data collected at two points in time as well as locations that experienced only one auto theft to those that experienced more than one. Five variables were measured at both points in time using the Watchers, Activity Nodes, Location, Lighting and Security indices (WALLS). Independent samples t tests were conducted for the WALLS variables while comparing data from 2004-2005 to 2006-2007. Findings indicate stability in the Watchers, Activity Nodes, and Lighting indices but statistically significant differences in the Watchers (day traffic variable) and Location and Security indices. The "Location" variable continues to be a significant predictor of repeat auto theft victimization. This suggests a need to closely examine the parking structures and street layout to determine how they can be altered to design out crime. Figure, tables, notes and references (Published Abstract)