The model contains three dimensions of vulnerability -- exposure to risk, seriousness of consequences, and loss of control -- and integrates them into an analytical framework that also takes into account physical, social, and situational factors of vulnerability. The study argues that the three dimensions of vulnerability are all necessary but, taken individually, are not sufficient conditions for the emergence of fear of crime. The complex interaction of these variables is necessary before the fear of crime reaches high levels in a person. For the purposes of this study, fear of crime refers to the fear of walking alone at night in one's neighborhood. Physical, social, and situational factors impact the existence and intensity of each of the three dimensions of vulnerability. By taking into account what situational circumstances exacerbate fear in the streets, future research may help policymakers identify ways of reducing it to acceptable levels; for example, fear is apparently triggered by dark and deserted surrounding, particularly if signs of incivility and disorder are common. Such situational features are open to change by appropriate measures. 1 table and 42 references