NCJ Number
78337
Date Published
1979
Length
58 pages
Annotation
This study decribes patterns of crime in the new town of Tuggeranong, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), based on an analysis of data on all offenses committed in Tuggeranong during 1976 and 1978 and on all offenders apprehended by police in those years for committing these offenses.
Abstract
Comparisons between crime in Tuggeranong and in the ACT as a whole are made to place the situation in Tuggeranong within the broader metropolitan context. Between 1976 and 1978 Tuggeranong's population increased by about 88 percent, while the number of reported offenses increased by 33.6 percent and the number of major offenses increased by over 50 percent. The overall crime rate was lower in 1978 than in 1976, however. In both years the offense rate for major, other, and total crime were lower in Tuggeranong than in the ACT as a whole. In 1976, Tuggeranong accounted for 4.9 percent of the ACT's population and 3.4 percent of recorded offenses. The proportions for 1978 were 9 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively. The most common offenses in Tuggeranong during both years were larceny, breaking and entering, and less serious offenses such as malicious damage. The numbers of major offenses against persons were negligible in both years, and most were subsequently cleared. The average age of offenders who committed major offenses was lower in 1978 than in 1976. Crime should persist as the population grows, and factors influencing the crime rate may include future geographical patterns of housing development and residential occupancy as well as construction of a police station. Data tables, maps, graphs, charts, and 14 references are included. (Author abstract modified)