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ELDERLY AS VICTIMS OF STREET CRIMES IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE - A STUDY AND PROPOSAL

NCJ Number
50767
Author(s)
ANON
Date Published
1975
Length
91 pages
Annotation
THIS DISCUSSION OF THE CRIME RESISTANCE PROGRAM INCLUDES A DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM OF STREET CRIME AGAINST THE ELDERLY AND PROGRAMS DEVELOPED TO COUNTERACT IT .
Abstract
IN ORDER TO EXAMINE THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM, THE WILMINGTON (DEL.) CRIME RESISTANCE TASK FORCE STUDIED POLICE REPORTS FOR THE YEAR 1974-1975 INVOLVING STREET CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS 60 YEARS AND OLDER. A VICTIM SURVEY WAS ALSO CONDUCTED BY MAIL. FINDINGS REVEALED THAT THE USUAL VICTIM IS A WHITE FEMALE, THAT THE ATTACKER IS A BLACK YOUTH, AND THAT THE CRIME TAKES PLACE DURING THE DAY CLOSE TO THE VICTIMS' RESIDENCES. THE VICTIM IS USUALLY ALONE AND CARRYING A PURSE. TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM, SEVERAL SPECIFIC PROGRAMS WERE DESIGNED. THESE INCLUDE A PROGRAM IMPLEMENTING THE USE OF AN INSIDE POCKET TO ALLEVIATE THE NEED FOR A PURSE, SEVERAL APPROACHES TO AN ESCORT AND COMPANION PROGRAM, OPERATION TIC-TOC (DEVELOPED TO REMOVE TRUANTS FROM THE STREETS), AND OPERATIONS MAJIC (MONITORS AIDING JUSTICE IN COURT). THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMS ARE PRESENTED ALONG WITH STEPS FOR IMPLEMENTATION. THE APPENDIXES INCLUDE THE RESEARCH PLAN, STUDY DATA, THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE, VICTIM SURVEY RESULTS, AND A SUMMARY OF INTERVIEWS WITH STUDENTS AT A YOUTH CORRECTIONAL FACILITY CONCERNING ATTACKS ON THE ELDERLY. (DAG)