NCJ Number
210824
Journal
International Review of Victimology Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 91-106
Date Published
2005
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper examines repeat victimization as a concentrated preventable crime problem, where crime prevention tactics and strategies can be effective, equitable, and economical.
Abstract
The aim of crime prevention is to reduce the number of crimes that would otherwise happen. This paper assumes that crime prevention strategies that are effective, equitable, and economical in these ways should be pursued. The paper attempts to answer how these strategies are achieved and whether repeat victimization should be a point of focus. Repeat victimization should be targeted because those at greater risk of victimization are the focus of preventive attention, and targeting repeat victimization is a means to producing attention to hot spots and to prolific offenders. Attention to repeat victimization appears to be a key route to achieving effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in crime prevention. Over time, a consistent pattern has emerged; victimization begets victimization especially in the short term. It is recommended with confidence that all crime reduction efforts include attention to repeat victimization. The development of suitable tactics and strategies will require detailed attention to specific ways in which patterns are generated. References