NCJ Number
206806
Date Published
2004
Length
93 pages
Annotation
This study examined the factors associated with the decrease in burglary rates in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) during 2001 and developed a profile of recidivist property offenders in the ACT.
Abstract
Section 1 provides an overview to the burglary problem in the ACT, explaining that from the late 1990’s through early 2000, the ACT experienced a sharp increase in the burglary rate. Since 2000, however, burglary rates have significantly declined in the ACT; more so than in other regions of the country. Plausible explanations for the decrease in burglaries in the ACT are explored, including police strategies that target repeat offenders, changes to the Bail Act, and the shortage of heroin in the ACT and across Australia. Section 2 focuses on Operation Anchorage, a police program designed to reduce burglary across the ACT involving extensive cooperation with the government. Section 3 describes property offenders in the ACT, describing their gender, race/ethnicity, age, offense history and characteristics, sanctions, and other relevant factors. Factors found to predict high levels of offending included being a heroin user, being male, breaching orders, and having a violent recorded offense. Section 4 describes the effects of incarceration and recidivist offending before and after Operation Anchorage. A significant negative correlation was found between the average number of weekly incapacitation days and weekly burglary rates. The impact of the heroin shortage in Australia is presented as an alternative explanation for the reduction in the burglary rate. Appendixes present a literature review and methodology. Tables, figures, references