William P. McClanahan, assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Alabama, conducted the first-of-its-kind study. This study shows the value of understanding how burglars weigh risks and rewards by examining pre-crime environmental characteristics. Conducted between June and December 2022, the study involved interviews with 160 male residential burglars who were incarcerated in Pennsylvania. Daniel S. Nagin, a professor of public policy and statistics at Carnegie Mellon’s Heinz College, was one of the coauthors on the findings. In both studies, they were published in the journal Criminology.
The research reveals that burglars, who exhibited varying degrees of criminal proficiency, assess their surroundings meticulously before committing a crime. Participants IQR= Interquartile Range The three-dimensional residential neighborhood used in the research was modeled after an actual neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA. It illuminated how different tangible attributes of dwellings inform offenders’ calculations of risk/reward.
Methodology and Participant Demographics
The research looked at male burglars, with an average age of 32 years old. The sample was about 50% white and 50% Black. McClanahan and his team sought to understand the decision-making processes of these individuals by exploring how they interact with their environment prior to a burglary.
The virtual community used for the study was modeled after real-world features commonly found in Pittsburgh. This creative new method offered researchers the opportunity to simulate different circumstances and see how different features of the environment impacted a burglar’s decision-making process. This time the researchers were focused on observing the offenders’ environmental behavior. Their intent was to address limitations in prevailing criminological paradigms.
“A central tenet of research on criminal decision making is that perceptions of the environment shape decisions,” – Daniel S. Nagin
Current criminological theories propose that environmental characteristics influence how offenders perceive risk. Yet as McClanahan noted, previous studies have failed to rigorously test these mechanisms. Even with these gaps, the study is a sign of progress in understanding how physical environments can affect criminal behavior.
Key Findings on Environmental Influences
The results showed that burglars do not make arbitrary choices. Rather, they plan around the known risks associated with each environmental element. Visibility, community engagement, real life visual appeal, factor heavily into their decision making process. These considerations play a huge role in the decisions that they make.
McClanahan reminded attendees of the real world consequences of these discoveries. He stated, “Our results have practical implications, such as encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to reduce their likelihood of victimization.” Communities stand to benefit greatly from learning how different environmental factors contribute to crime in their area. This type of knowledge can and should inform better preventive efforts.
The research underscored the idea that there is no one type of criminal. Their varying levels of ability affect their forecasts of risks and returns. This important nuance is key to helping law enforcement and community policing initiatives focus their strategies in efforts to prevent residential burglaries.
Implications for Crime Prevention
These communities are hurting from violent crime and public safety. With this critical knowledge in hand, cities can begin formulating and deploying the most effective targeted crime prevention strategies. By understanding how environmental features impact burglars’ decision-making processes, law enforcement agencies and community planners can implement measures that deter criminal activity.
For instance, enhancing lighting in poorly lit areas or improving neighborhood watch programs can alter the way potential offenders perceive risk. This study reveals a compelling need to interject criminological knowledge into initiatives for urban planning and community development.
“But generally speaking, the underlying mechanisms that tie environmental features to perception have not been tested.” – Daniel S. Nagin
This unique longitudinal study shows what motivates certain burglaries to occur. It provides clear, practical recommendations for communities seeking to make themselves less vulnerable to crime.