NCJ Number
169466
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 11 Dated: (1997) Pages: 81-88
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Surveys were conducted in former communist countries in Eastern Europe were surveyed in 1982 and again in 1992 about fear of crime as an indicator of public opinion.
Abstract
Survey data from Hungary showed the intensity of fear of crime varied. The proportion of those indicating fear at night in neighborhoods and at home increased from 23.4 percent in 1982 to 34.7 percent in 1992. Factors responsible for increased fear of crime included the economic recession, the work structure of the socialist industry, and social circumstances. Survey respondents said crime, loss of a safe social environment, household budget shortcomings, and unemployment were most troublesome. Another survey showed negative public attitudes toward the police and criminal justice authorities in Hungary, citizens were not allowed to assume certain responsibilities, and media coverage of crime was exaggerated. 2 tables and 4 footnotes