NCJ Number
132810
Date Published
1992
Length
22 pages
Annotation
A replication of an earlier study that focused on the effectiveness of citizen crime prevention measures confirmed the earlier findings that these self-help techniques did not reduce the fear of crime. It further suggested the need for police agencies to reevaluate their current crime prevention policies and programs.
Abstract
Data came from 376 Kentucky adults who were interviewed twice at 6-month intervals regarding crime incidents, fear of crime, and crime prevention measures during 1986 and 1987. The research focused on 10 crime prevention measures including the use of deadbolt locks, locking of vehicles, property identification, the use of burglar alarms, and having friends pick up the mail when away. The use of prevention measures ranged from a high of 89 percent for having someone keep an eye on the home when away to a low of 7 percent for the use of burglar alarms. Participation in formal crime prevention programs was low. Using security measures generally did not reduce the fear of crime. Results indicated the need for further research on the effects of crime prevention measures with particular attention to crime victims. Tables, notes, and 47 references