NCJ Number
132648
Date Published
1990
Length
61 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the results of one Austrian and one West German survey of burglar attitudes concerning the characteristics of their offense.
Abstract
The Austrian study is based on interviews with 114 inmates convicted of burglary while the West German study surveyed 101 burglary inmates. In both surveys, the majority of offenders stated that financial gain (especially the prospect of cash and jewelry) was the motive of the offense. Only approximately a third of the burglars carefully planned the offense beforehand, whereas the majority acted spontaneously as opportunity presented itself. In both studies, basement and first-floor windows and doors were named as predominant ways of entry. Though the burglars were deterred by security locks on entry points, they felt most threatened by alarm devices and dogs. While the two studies obtained similar replies, the recommendations they make to homeowners differ. The Austrian study advises to increase the overall security of residences, but the German study argues that this method would simply redirect burglars to other less secure dwellings. Instead, the German study suggests community watches, the rehabilitation of burglary offenders, and media programs that emphasize the dangers of burglaries rather than the technical know-how.