NCJ Number
79591
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This review assesses Harry Scarr's study of burglary patterns in three different juridsictions in the Washington, D.C., Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Abstract
The research consisted of a study of the spatial, temporal, and social characteristics associated with burglary, along with a victimization survey. Using police and census reports as data sources, the spatial and temporal patterns of burglary were examined in the three jurisdictions. Also, various social characteristics, including race and composition of households, were correlated with burglaries. This review focuses on those aspects of the study related to the physical or built environment. The study concluded that in all three jurisdictions, doors are the primary point of entry, with front doors being used most often in two areas and rear doors used more often in one area. The study suggests that differences in housing type may account for some of the differences in entry points. Data indicate that burglars in urban areas break locks and enter forcibly more often than in suburban areas. Based on the data presented, these conclusions appear to be accurate. The victimization survey examined the differences between burglarized homes and businesses and other nearby homes and businesses that had not been burglarized, so as to determine what, if any, factors may be controlled to prevent or deter burglary. Findings show that although victims of residential burglaries change their behavior to reduce the probability of future victimization, their postvictimization behavior often does not exhibit more protective behaviors than those used by nonvictims. Significant postvictimization protective measures more likely to be undertaken by victims than nonvictims are indicated. The review indicates that study conclusions appear to be based on the data presented. Tabular data are not provided.