RT Article
T1 Assessing the deterrent effect of symbolic guardianship through neighbourhood watch signs and police signs: a virtual reality study
JF Psychology, crime & law
VO 30
IS 1
SP 1
OP 21
A1 van Sintemaartensdijk, Iris
A2 Gelder, Jean-Louis van
A2 van Prooijen, Jan-Willem
A2 Nee, Claire
A2 Otte, Marco 1975-
A2 van Lange, Paul
LA English
YR 2024
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1877244449
AB This study examines the deterrent effects of neighbourhood watch signs and police signs as measures of symbolic guardianship on burglars versus non-offenders. In a virtual reality experiment, 181 burglars and 172 non-offenders scouted a virtual neighbourhood and were exposed to neighbourhood watch signs and/or signs suggesting police surveillance in the area. With neighbourhood watch signs present, both burglars and non-offenders perceived the neighbourhood residents as more likely to intervene. Burglars were also more likely to select a target closer to the exit than non-offenders when neighbourhood watch signs were present. The presence of police signs reduced the time spent scouting and the distance travelled for both burglars and non-offenders. Furthermore, as compared to non-offenders burglars selected houses with easier access, travelled less distance, and reported higher anticipation of neighbourhood resident intervention. Symbolic guardianship through neighbourhood watch or police sign seems to elicit only small effects in deterring burglars. They should not immediately be discounted as preventive measures, however, as small-effect interventions may be valuable as additions to well-established interventions.
K1 Deterrence
K1 Expertise
K1 Burglary
K1 Guardianship
K1 Virtual Reality
DO 10.1080/1068316X.2022.2059480