„Property Crime Victimisation: Results from the "Rural Crime in Poland“ Study“

• In Event: The Main Centers of Criminological Research in Poland – Selected Aspects of Activities

Abstract

Rural areas are often perceived as safer than urban environments, yet property crimes such as theft and burglary are persistent challenges to the security of rural Poles. This study explores the nature, scale, and perceptions of property crime in the Polish countryside using a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative component consists of a Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) survey conducted among 1,006 rural residents across Poland, assessing their experiences with their concerns about property crime. The qualitative component involves Focus Group Interviews (FGI) conducted in ten rural localities with experts working and residing in these communities, including police officers, village leaders, social workers, educators, and firefighters. The findings reveal that while official crime rates in rural areas may appear relatively low, underreporting and social norms that discourage formal complaints contribute may be responsible for part of the rural-urban difference. Focus group participants highlight key property crime patterns, such as thefts targeting agricultural equipment, fuel, and construction materials – crimes often facilitated by the isolated nature of farmsteads and limited law enforcement presence. Additionally, the qualitative data underscore the impact of socio-economic factors, such as economic disparities and social isolation, on crime rates. By providing a comprehensive analysis of property crimes in rural areas, this presentation aims to contribute to the development of more effective and context-sensitive crime prevention policies and practices, ultimately enhancing the safety and security of rural communities in Poland.

Authors

• Emilia Jurgielewicz-Delegacz, University of Bialystok

• Joseph Donnermeyer, The Ohio State University