NCJ Number
105699
Journal
TR News Dated: (November-December 1986) Pages: 18-22
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The incidence of bus crime was investigated in a telephone survey of 1,088 randomly selected households in west central Los Angeles.
Abstract
Results indicate that the incidence of bus crime in this area was much greater than previously documented. About 9 percent of respondents had been victimized at some time in the past, and 3 percent were victimized in 1983 alone. Based on this incidence, an estimated 17,000 to 30,000 bus crimes occurred in this area in 1985 -- an estimate 20 to 35 times greater than that published by the transit agency for the entire service area. Victims of bus crime experienced considerable financial loss, as well as physical and emotional harm. Frequency of bus use was the most important correlate of victimization. Data for moderate and heavy bus users indicate that the elderly, women, Hispanics, and persons with low incomes were most vulnerable to victimization. Overcrowding was a significant factor in bus crimes, although specific characteristics of bus stops also played a role. 1 reference.