NCJ Number
150214
Date Published
1994
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This survey of crime in Minnesota was based on responses by a sample of over 5,000 State residents aged 15 or older regarding their experiences with crime in 1992. Response rate was approximately 72 percent.
Abstract
The survey found that 31 percent of Minnesotans were victims of crime; 28 percent were victims of property crime and 10 percent of violent crime. Younger victims were more likely than older victims to be victimized by a juvenile. Relatives, friends, and acquaintances were identified most often as the assailants in violent crimes. Both the incidence of crime and fear of crime were highest among city dwellers. Forty-four percent of respondents were afraid to walk along at night within a mile of their home; crime victims and females were most likely to be afraid. The percentage of respondents who thought they would be a victim of crime in 1993 was much higher than the actual percentage of victims in 1992. More than 75 percent of respondents believed that the breakdown of the family, lack of parental discipline, and use of drugs contribute to violent crime. Gangs, alcohol, a lenient criminal justice system, availability of guns, and TV and movie violence were also cited as contributing factors. 1 appendix