Preventing Crime on Australian Farms: Issues, Current Initiatives and Future Directions

• NCJ Number: 205282
• Author(s): Marissa McCall; Peter Homel
• Date Published: November 2003
• Length: 8 pages
• Corporate Author: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Australian Institute of Criminology Trends & Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, No. 268

Annotation

This document discusses repeat victimization among farmers in Australia.

Abstract

Farm crime is of serious concern in Australia. While a number of initiatives are in place to prevent crime on farms, the lack of thorough evaluation makes it difficult to assess their effectiveness. The 2002-03 National Farm Crime Survey will take a broader view of what crime prevention strategies are currently being used by farmers; whether these strategies are effective in reducing/preventing crime, and the current level of awareness of crime prevention programs/resources available to farmers. On the basis of the patterns of crime revealed by recent research on rural crime it is apparent that the area most likely to have the greatest impact on reducing rural crime patterns will be a focus on repeat victimization. Both major rural crime studies have identified a high rate of repeat victimization of between 28 percent and 51 percent, respectively. The high levels of repeat victimization suggest that the crime prevention strategies currently employed are not effective. The patterns of offending also suggest a significant level of planning and organization by a small group of repeat offenders that are probably responsible for a significant amount of the higher value losses in terms of livestock and farm equipment. The physical context in which much rural crime occurs suggests that many of the existing tools for targeting repeat offenders and victims will need to be carefully considered in terms of appropriateness and likely effectiveness. Many of the principles used in reducing the incidence of repeat victimization are likely to be highly relevant and worth considering. The reasons for this are that targeting repeat victimization is an efficient means of allocating scarce resources to crime problems; and this focus is less likely to result in displacement than unfocused crime prevention efforts. These principles, coupled with a collaborative prevention strategy involving police, farmers, local businesses and councils, and other key members of the community will produce a positive framework of action. 2 notes, 2 figures, 25 references