NCJ Number
118265
Date Published
1988
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Data from the British Crime Survey indicate that people's willingness to take part in Neighborhood Watch programs in England and Wales reflect their personal proximity to crime, the level of disorder in their neighborhood, the extent to which they worry about such things, their satisfaction with their neighborhood, and other assessments.
Abstract
Information was gathered from 5,600 households in February and March 1984. Although about 57 percent of respondents had heard of the idea, less than 1 percent of the households were actually involved in a group. Although 89 percent thought that Neighborhood Watch might be effective in preventing burglary and other crimes, only 62 percent expressed willingness to take part. Findings indicated that willingness to take part rested on an assessment of the benefits and costs of participation. In addition, the social characteristics of people favoring Neighborhood Watch may be similar to those of the wider population group that takes part more generally in voluntary activities. Finally, the credibility of Neighborhood Watch as feasible and effective may be important in encouraging those who favor it to opt for this particular solution. Tables and 16 references.