NCJ Number
84605
Journal
Impact Issue: 1 Dated: (1982) Pages: 45-55
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article considers what might happen in relation to crime and the community in Canada over the next 5 to 10 years.
Abstract
Several factors are generally assumed to influence the incidence and patterns of criminal activity in Western societies, including demographic change, changes in family structure, economic conditions, and changes in opportunity structure. However, based on the very limited research undertaken to date, there is little agreement on the actual contribution of the general population increase and the changing population age composition to the nature and amount of crime. Opportunities for certain types of crimes, such as burglary, increase as a result of homes being left vacant during the day because of the increasing number of women working outside the home. Thefts are expected to increase slowly over the next 4 years, while the number of break-ins will level off, according to one study. Frauds and thefts of motor vehicles are expected to decline. Various researchers have suggested that new types of crime are likely to emerge in the coming years, particularly in the area of sophisticated white-collar crime. Concerning crime prevention, greater emphasis will be placed on the need for a system-wide perspective at the national and provincial levels, including much greater collaboration between the private and public sectors. Finally, reparative sentencing (emphasizing the needs of the victim) will become more prevalent in Canada. A total of 15 references are provided.