NCJ Number
102786
Date Published
1986
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study of trends in suburban violent and property crimes between 1960 and 1980 used data from 247 suburbs.
Abstract
The data came from Uniform Crime Reports on 247 suburbs with populations of more than 25,000. Rates of property crime and violent crime were examined in relation to their distance from the city's central business district and in relation to several population and environmental characteristics. Factors considered included census region, population density, suburban age, percentage of black population, and percentage of percentage of black population, and percentage of high-income population. Between 1960 and 1980, crime rates increased dramatically in all the distance zones from central cities. Suburban crime rates and their determinants showed substantial stability over the three time points, reflecting the persistence of populations and their characteristics. Many of the factors affecting crime rates are not easy to change. However, having a more even distribution of employment and social class groups across different suburbs might lower crime rates. Crime prevention efforts must also recognize that the suburbs and the central city together make up a functionally integrated network. Data tables and 37 reference notes.