Exploring and understanding differences between deliberate and impulsive male and female burglars

Relying on rational choice theory, we compare burglars’ varying levels of offense planning to understand differences among types of burglars. Surveys were collected from a sample of incarcerated male and female burglars in three states. Participants answered questions detailing aspects of a burglary...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Sanders, Amber N. (Author) ; Kuhns, Joseph B. (Author) ; Blevins, Kristie R. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2017
In: Crime & delinquency
Year: 2017, Volume: 63, Issue: 12, Pages: 1547-1571
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
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Keywords:
Burglary
Burglar
Offense planning
Situational crime prevention
Rational choice
Einbruchdiebstahl
Einbrecher
Tätermerkmale
Studie
Description
Summary:Relying on rational choice theory, we compare burglars’ varying levels of offense planning to understand differences among types of burglars. Surveys were collected from a sample of incarcerated male and female burglars in three states. Participants answered questions detailing aspects of a burglary including motivations, target selection, deterrents, and techniques. Comparisons were made between 119 deliberate (32%) and 257 impulsive (68%) burglars. Deliberate burglars focused on obtaining cash, whereas impulsive burglars were more motivated by drug habits. Impulsive burglars were more easily dissuaded from a target when multiple obstacles are present. Burglars consider how many obstacles they may have to overcome, providing support for rational choice-based, situational crime prevention efforts. Differences in burglar motivation emerged and are discussed.
ISSN:1552-387X
DOI:10.1177/0011128716660519