NCJ Number
109623
Journal
British Journal of Sociology Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1987) Pages: 331-350
Date Published
1987
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examines the possible linkage between a widespread heroin epidemic and a parallel and unprecedented rise in acquisitive crime in a community in northwest England (Wirral) between 1981 and 1986.
Abstract
The rate of recorded crime in Wirral is one of the highest in the country. The rates of auto theft and residential burglary are particularly high. Compared to other communities Wirral has not experienced distinctive demographic and socioeconomic conditions nor has the public response to crime been atypical. For the first half of 1980, this study obtained data on the first 100 persons found guilty of burglary, the first 100 found guilty of general theft, the first 50 guilty of auto theft, and the first 50 guilty of criminal damage. Data for these offenders were cross-referenced with the identity codes of over 1,800 Wirral residents on the register of problem drug users. Criminal records were obtained on the 300 offenders. Fifty percent of the offenders who committed residential burglaries were heroin users. Among this group, most had a criminal record prior to heroin use, but they had been committing many more acquisitive crimes since becoming users. The remainder had no criminal record prior to heroin use but became subsequently deeply involved in crime. 8 tables, 4 figures, and 26 notes. (Author abstract modified)