NCJ Number
101406
Date Published
1984
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study reviews the impact on a number of Dutch communities of police burglary control teams that used foot and bicycle patrols, the provision of information to citizens on crime prevention, and the investigation of burglary reports.
Abstract
Research methods consisted of preprogram and postprogram surveys of community residents and an analysis of police burglary statistics. Experimental communities were compared with control communities. The projects were undertaken in 1979 and the early 1980's. The Hague and Hoogeveen projects consisted of intensified car patrols and crime prevention instruction. These projects had some effect on citizens' precautions against burglaries and improved police relations with the community. The overall crime and burglary rates, however, did not decrease. The Hoogeveen project controlled vandalism to some extent. Fear of crime increased somewhat during the teams' presence. The Amsterdam project, which emphasized police personal contacts with citizens, had a stronger impact on citizen precautions against burglary and cooperation with the police. Burglary and vandalism rates have stabilized, and citizens' fear of crime has subsided. 6 references.