NCJ Number
160905
Date Published
1996
Length
92 pages
Annotation
Intended primarily for police, justice, local authorities, and other organizations that are involved with the implementation of residential-burglary prevention, this report acts as a reference for information on burglary and preventive measures.
Abstract
The number of residential burglaries in the Netherlands has increased over the past few years. Compared to 1980, the percentage of burglary victims has doubled. Most of the offenders are young males who consume alcohol and drugs at a relatively high rate. Most are uneducated and unemployed. Occasional offenders often respond to an opportunity they find inviting and can be deterred by preventive measures. Professional offenders are experienced at burglary, plan their burglaries well, and are not easily deterred by preventive measures. Financial motives typically underlie burglaries. Most burglary victims live alone. Young men are at relatively greater risk of becoming burglary victims than family households, the elderly, and women. Most burglaries occur in the autumn and winter and mostly at night. The larger the municipality, the greater the risk of burglary. Recommended preventive measures focus on the offender, the victim, and situational prevention. The importance of an integrated policy is emphasized; four burglary prevention projects are described in detail. Using an 11-step strategy, this report shows how a residential burglary project can be prepared and executed. A 107-item bibliography