Predictors of Looting in Selected Neighborhoods of New York City During the Blackout of 1977

• NCJ Number: 106617
• Journal: Sociology and Social Research Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Dated: (April 1987) Pages: 228-231
• Author(s): L Genevie; S R Kaplan; H Peck; E L Struening; J E Kallos; G L Muhlin; A Richardson
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper identifies characteristics of urban areas which predicted variation in the looting of neighborhood stores during the blackout of 1977 in New York City.

Abstract

The extent of social and economic problems in the neighborhoods, including unemployment, violent crime, burglary of residences, and underground economic activity, was strongly associated with the amount of looting. Fear of going out after dark, a negative attitude toward police and a critical view of the justice system were all positively associated with the extent of looting. The approval of stealing, especially under conditions of the blackout, was strongly related with the degree of looting. Neighborhood cohesion and social support were inversely related to the amount of looting. (Author abstract)