Citation

Fattah EA. Ageing Soc. 1986; 6(4): 471-480.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S0144686X00006279

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Elderly people have a relatively low likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, compared with other age groups. Theft rather than violence constitutes the bulk of offences against them. Criminological research indicates that it is not vulnerability but lifestyle and the amount of time spent out of the home which are pre-disposing factors. However, when offences occur they have a disproportionately high personal impact. Ways of reducing both exposure and impact are discussed. These include (1) Hardening the targets (2) Creating more protective environments (3) Encouraging self-help (4) Entrancing awareness of crime and prevention techniques (5) Risk avoidance.

Language: en