Virtual Burglary: Understanding Burglary Behaviour Using Simulated Environments: Results from the First Trial with Convicted Burglars

• In Event: Offender and Victim Decision-Making

Abstract

Extensive empirical research has been undertaken over the last three decades in order to understand burglars’ decision-making at the scene of the crime. This has involved interviews with incarcerated and active burglars and experiments using maps, slides, videos and photographs. Emphasis has been placed on how the burglar picks his target and more recently, how he navigates the property once inside. A lot has been learned about the cues used by burglars to assess targets vulnerability and offender expertise. Recently the field has moved forward by using virtual reality of in order to observe offenders undertaking mock ‘burglaries’ in virtual environments (Nee et al, 2014). Here, we present the results of a new immersive virtual reality study examining burglar behaviour inside the property using a simulated neighbourhood with a group of 50 experienced burglars and comparison groups of 50 offenders without burglary experience, and 50 matched non-offenders. We discuss the results in terms of the validity of using this technology and its implications for crime prevention and rehabilitation of offenders.

Authors

• Claire Nee, University of Portsmouth

• Jean-Louis van Gelder, Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement

• Marco Otte, Network Institute Vrij University

• Amy Meenaghan, University of Portsmouth

• Zarah Vernham, University of Portsmouth