NCJ Number
89194
Journal
Tijdschrift voor criminologie Volume: 24 Issue: 5-6 Dated: (September-December 1982) Pages: 231-241
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
An overview of victim surveys analyzes attitudes of the Dutch public toward increasing crime rates. The question of whether public behavior prevents or contributes to victimization is also examined.
Abstract
Surveys show that crime rates doubled between 1974 and 1980 and that fear of crime was much more likely to be correlated to direct contact with crime in 1980 than in 1974. But former victims also have a more realistic view of crime and are prepared to effect personal preventive measures. However, the positive effects of an intense police public information program and technical prevention measures have been weakened by the lack of adequate informal social controls. Especially remiss in precautionary behavior are male adolescents, the group most likely to be affected by crime. Male adolescents tend to retaliate when victimized, pushing crime rates even higher. The level of unreported crimes is also especially high for this group. The situation among adolescents tends to produce an upward crime spiral that is particularly difficult to control. In general, it is concluded that the way in which the public reacts to crime contributes little to the reduction of crime. Crime levels are expected to increase unless the authorities take the initiative in developing methods of informal social control and in promoting collaboration of the police with the public, particularly in combatting adolescent crime. Notes and one table are included.