NCJ Number
124771
Date Published
1989
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Interviews with 128 burglars currently serving prison sentences and 40 offenders on probation in the United Kingdom formed the basis of an analysis on the way in which offenders assess situational factors in making their decisions to commit a crime.
Abstract
The incarcerated offenders took part in semi-structured interviews, and they and the probationers also viewed and commented on videotapes that showed houses. About half of each sample was under 21 years of age, all were males, and most were repeat offenders. Findings showed that visual cues related to the risk of being caught represented the most important influence on the decision to commit a crime. The potential rewards of the offense and the ease or difficulty of entry were less important factors. Thus, offenders considered surveillability and signs of occupancy to be the most important risk factors. They also regarded dogs, alarms, and neighbors as important factors. Recommendations for further research, notes, and 12 references.