NCJ Number
145880
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 5-6 Dated: (1993) Pages: 51-60
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
More open borders resulting from the political changes in what was formerly Eastern Europe make it necessary for all European countries to consider differences in crime rates among countries and to cooperate in security matters.
Abstract
A recent survey indicates that Europe will continue to be of interest to organized criminals, particularly Germany which has a sound economic structure, stable currency, high standard of living, and well-developed infrastructure. Comprehensive and efficient law enforcement strategies, especially measures to compensate for the abolition of border controls, can only be devised in terms of the reality of the crime situation. The International Crime Survey shows that the risk of becoming a crime victim depends on individual lifestyles. In general, the victimization rate is much higher in urbanized countries (France, Germany, and Great Britain) and lower in less urbanized countries (Norway, Finland, and Switzerland). Fear of street crime is the most pronounced in Germany, England, and Wales, while the threat of burglary is felt most strongly in Germany and Switzerland. Polish citizens report a high risk of theft of personal belongings and extreme dissatisfaction with the police. Crime rate comparisons between Western and Eastern Europe are difficult, but Eastern Europe criminologists, police, and judicial services do not expect a rapid rise in the crime rates of Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. Even so, security cooperation among all European countries will be essential to preserve law and order. In particular, crime levels in the five new German states are likely to have a considerable influence on the security situation in Central Europe. 7 references