This study examined a number of variables to show how residential areas in Thunder Bay (Ontario), Canada, with higher and lower rates of vandalism, differ from one another and how residents of such areas increase or decrease their vulnerability to mischief and property damage.
Interviews were conducted with 361 households of 3 areas classified as high, medium, and low victim experience. The three areas were compared on demographic composition, land use, defensible space, and social cohesion/Neighborhood Watch characteristics. These characteristics were used to compare the experiences of victim and nonvictim households. Neighborhoods were found to differ significantly on the Neighborhood Watch dimension. The low area had a low-victim experience as a result of the presence of an existing informal Neighborhood Watch system. Residents of that area were more likely to take action when observing persons damaging neighborhood property. This project also demonstrates that an outside agency can implement a Neighborhood Watch system and have an effect on reported crime rates. Study recommendations, numerous data tables, and 18 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)