Citation

Chun Y, Lee JL. Soc. Sci. 2013; 2(3): 135-141.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Science Publishing Group)

DOI

10.11648/j.ss.20130203.15

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Burglary is a type of crime that happens most frequently to ordinary citizens, and its consequences may include financial damage as well as serious psychological repercussions. In South Korea, burglary cases constituted 16.1 per cent of the total crimes reported in 2011, thus calling for viable preventive measures to alleviate the on-going problem. In this study, the authors examined the main situational factors that played a crucial role in burglars' decision making in selecting specific targets and executing their crime. The data collected from interviewing fifty-two burglary suspects detained at the Detention Centre at the Incheon Public Prosecutor's Office in South Korea was analysed to assess different situational factors that were mainly considered by them. The results indicated that the burglary suspects were more influenced by possible cost than gain. Furthermore, occupancy of residence was the most important factor in the decision making process utilised by the suspects.

Keywords: Burglary, Decision Making, Traces of Occupancy, Situational Factor

Language: en