EXPLAINING FEAR OF CRIME

Abstract

The authors construct a model for explaining “fear” of crime by using the relevant literature to identify possible factors and making out a prima facie case for each by examining data from the second British Crime Survey. Using logit analysis this model is tested on data derived from the same survey. The authors show that such factors as gender, age, race, neighbourhood cohesion, confidence in the police, levels of local incivility, experience of victimisation, perception of risk and assessment of offence seriousness all combine to form a theoretical account of “fear” which has strong empirical support. On the basis of these findings, they conclude by making some suggestions for policies to reduce this “fear”.