Juvenile Victims of Property Crimes

Property crime is the most frequent kind of criminal victimization and one with important economic and psychological consequences. Property crime victimization rates are much higher for juveniles than for adults, but this fact has received very little attention. This Bulletin examines the characteristics of property crimes against juveniles, using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey for 1996-97 and the National Incident-Based Reporting System for 1997. Highlights of the Bulletin include: (1) One of every six juveniles ages 12 to 17 was the victim of a property crime each year (1996 and 1997), a rate 40 percent higher than the rate for adults; (2) The victimization rates were particularly high for African American juveniles and juveniles living in urban areas and the West; (3) Items most frequently taken from juveniles were electronic and photo gear and clothing and luggage (presumably backpacks); (4) Property crimes against juveniles were rarely reported to police; (5) Since 1993, juvenile property victimizations have declined 23 percent; and (6) Prevention of juvenile property victimization may require different policies than those addressing adult property crime. Tables, figures, note, references