Reducing the Opportunities for Violence in Robbery and Property Crime: the Perspectives of Offenders and Victims

This paper reports on research undertaken in Western Australia in 1993 on violence associated with robbery and property crime. Firsthand accounts from 88 offenders and 10 victims are examinedfor information and perspectives that may be relevant to the prevention of such violence. Results suggest that violence occurring in the course of a robbery or a property crime is most effectively prevented by reducing the overall rate of these crimes. However, once an offender has confronted a victim, the victim's behaviour may be critical in preventing violence. Appreciating that offenders may be very afraid or even angry with the victim suggests a non-confrontational approach and one that may even facilitate the offender's escape.