NCJ Number
131767
Date Published
1990
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Statistical data are presented regarding the development, extent, and nature of crime in western European countries, and future trends are analyzed.
Abstract
National crime figures on recorded crime in five western European countries are presented to establish crime and victimization rates. A comparison of the present estimates of national victimization risks with the conventional measures of offenses recorded by Interpol indicates that crime has increased significantly from 1955 onward across western Europe. In response to this rapid growth of crime, governmental policies included a focus on rehabilitation of offenders and crime control through social reform. The nineties show a continuation of the situational or victim-oriented policies with a focus on integrated or comprehensive security. However a return to the offender-oriented approaches are predicted, particularly reintegration of the offender into society. A comprehensive typology of methods is presented covering offender-oriented, situational, and victim-oriented crime prevention. A discussion of the nine types of prevention strategies found in the model covers crime prevention targeted at the public at large as potential offenders, at problem youth, and at actual offenders; crime prevention targeted at security provision in all houses in a town as well as high crime areas and hot spots; and crime preventions targeted at the public at large as potential victims, at high risk groups, and at actual victims. An integrated crime policy requires a partnership between the local government and the police. 6 figures and 59 references