Citation

Shover N. Crime Justice 1991; 14: 73-113.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Burglary is one of the most prevalent street crimes in the United States as well as in other countries. In the United States, the rate of burglary increased dramatically during the 1960s from 508.6 per 100,000 population before declining after 1975 and stabilizing near the 1984 rate of 1,263.7 per 100,000 population. Burglary rates are disproportionately low in the Northeast and high in the West and in cities, particularly those with large minority populations, high population mobility, and high income inequality. It occurs disproportionately in neighborhoods inhabited primarily by the young, minorities, and renters. Burglary is committed disproportionately by males, juveniles, and others who are unskilled offenders in or close to their home neighborhoods. A small group of burglars ranges over a wide territory, often searching out suitable targets. Although most victims sustain modest economic losses, the crime has serious psychological effects on some, particularly women who reside alone. General prevention programs aimed at burglary have met with uncertain success. Experience with neighborhood watch and target-hardening strategies points to the importance of better focused situational crime-prevention strategies.

Language: en