Theft in Scandinavia, 1970-78 (From Crime and Crime Control in Scandinavia, 1976-80, P 1-6, 1980, Norman Bishop, ed. - See NCJ-74060)

• NCJ Number: 74061
• Author(s): F Balvig
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: Sweden

Annotation

Differences in the level of reported theft among Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are analyzed, with emphasis on the effects on reported theft of the social/economic situation in Scandinavia during the 1970-78 period.

Abstract

Sweden has the highest number of reported thefts of the Scandinavian countries considered and may have the highest level of reported theft in the world, according to international crime statistics. Finland and Norway report much lower rates of theft than either Sweden or Denmark. Comparison of Scandinavian victim surveys and the reporting rates with those of other nations indicate that the reporting rates in the Scandinavian countries are in general higher than in the United States, England, Holland, and West Germany, although it is not possible to construct comparisons for specific types of theft. Other studies have shown a correlation between the frequency of reported theft and measures of economic development, industrialization, and urbanization. Thus, Sweden's record level of reported thefts matches its position as the Scandinavian country with the largest per capital gross national product, the lowest proportion of people working in the agricultural sector, and the highest proportion of people living in large cities. Additionally, the lower rate of increase in reported thefts in the 1970's as compared with the 1960's can be accounted for in some degree by demographic changes: more Scandivinavians reached the crime-intensive age in the 1960's than in the 1970's. Economic explanations of theft have not generally been as conclusive, however, in explaining changes as in explaining differences in levels. Based on an analysis of the Danish situation regarding unemployment and social status as they relate to crime, it appears that crime can be reduced by increasing social and economic status while reducing strong contrasts within society and the stigmatization of those persons at risk for commission of crime. A table and a graph are supplied.