NCJ Number
160909
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study informs the public and policymakers about the nature, extent, and causes of residential burglary in Queensland and recommends preventive strategies.
Abstract
Using police records, victimization surveys, national uniform crime statistics, and statistics collected by the insurance industry, this study examined the prevalence of residential burglary in Queensland, any increase in the residential burglary rate over the last 20 years, how Queensland compares with other States in burglary, who is at most risk of being burgled, when and where most residential burglaries occur, who commits the offenses, and what can be done to reduce the risk of residential burglary. The study found that residential burglary has a substantial financial impact in Queensland, and it increased by 176 percent from 1974/75 to 1994/95. Crime victim surveys also show a significant increase in burglary victimization over this period. Only approximately 11 percent of residential burglaries reported to the police are cleared. Persons who live in large cities, those who live in detached houses, and those who leave their houses empty for long periods of the day are at greater risk of being burgled. Suggestions for burglary-reduction strategies focus on citizen precautions, police actions, and governmental actions. 3 tables, 8 figures, and 42 references