Abstract:
The vulnerability for residential burglary can be explained through a combination of factors that manifest in the micro-environment. Every burglary event represents a unique setting, which demonstrates the interaction between the burglar, a suitable target and the residents. The macro-environment harbours an unknown quantity of real and potential burglars, who are motivated to commit an offence and who will from time to time engage in a search to locate suitable targets. The need for money and the foreknowledge of potential targets seem to be crucial factors. At the micro- and meso-level, the vulnerability factors centre on the routine activities of the residents, the level of security protection in and around the residence and the accessibility and free movement of strangers in the neighbourhood. Effective prevention of residential burglary can only be realised through an integrated approach to crime prevention, which combines efforts of individual households with those of local communities and law enforcement agencies involved in crime prevention.
