NCJ Number
214820
Journal
Criminology Volume: 44 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 431-464
Date Published
May 2006
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This study examined the role of daylight and darkness in burglars' selection of residential targets in relation to risks associated with being observed and arrested.
Abstract
Findings showed that burglars were more willing to risk daylight burglaries during the week, largely because they expected residents to be at work. They selected separated houses rather than townhomes because of the better cover provided. Entry points were selected based on the cover provided. This strategy meant that daylight burglaries tended to target more expensive homes whose residents worked during the day and which provided cover that reduced the risk of being observed. Nighttime burglaries, on the other hand, were viewed by some burglars as posing less risk of being observed, even though occupants were more likely to be at home than during daylight hours. Apparently, burglars did weigh the risk of being observed when selecting the timing and type of house for their crimes. The primary variables considered in attempting to reduce the chances of being observed and reported were daylight-darkness, occupancy, the visibility of the target's approaches, and entering the target through its more visible front. These findings are discussed in relation to the target selection theories of "routine activity" and "rational choice." Research was conducted in 1994 in two divisions of a British police force. Data were obtained for 704 burglaries that were committed during a 6-month period. Data pertained to the incident, related police activities, characteristics of victims and their residential areas, and housing circumstances. Offender data were collected from police records for 205 cases. 8 figures, 3 tables, and 33 references