NCJ Number
227553
Date Published
2008
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an overview of the prevalence and trends of burglary in North Carolina, theories associated with the act of burglary, and effective responses to reduce the rate of burglary in North Carolina.
Abstract
Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey reveals a high frequency of burglaries in North Carolina, making North Carolina's burglary rate the highest in the Nation for 8 consecutive years, 1999 through 2006. In examining the prevalence, trends, and expected punishment for burglary in North Carolina, the following was found: (1) in North Carolina, burglars were generally punished as felons depending on the degree of the offense; (2) according to North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation crime data, roughly 2 out of every 3 reported burglaries occurred at a residence; (3) about 17 percent of reported burglaries were cleared by arrest or by exceptional means annually; and (4) between 2000 and 2006, 18 counties, mostly in the western part of the State, had average burglary rates and 33 counties had rates that were higher than the average State rate. Some of the best proactive approaches that North Carolina can take to aid in the reduction of burglary include the implementation of stronger crime prevention efforts and strategies, such as Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), as well as increasing resources for prisoner transition programs. Stronger focus and increased resources aimed at transition services and programs could have a dramatic effect on property crime rates in North Carolina. Tables, figures and references