Offense Planning in Burglary: A Comparison of Deliberate Burglars and Impulsive Burglars

• In Event: Offending Dynamics and Script Analysis

Abstract

While certain burglars are more opportunistic than others who may engage in more planning, comparison between the two distinct patterns of offense planning has not been explored. As different types of offenders may have unique offending patterns, such research yields importance for crime prevention. The present study captures the decision making process of over 400 incarcerated male and female burglars in three states. We explore motivations, target selection strategies, factors that deter, techniques and tools used during burglary, and responses to prevention measures for two groups of burglars, who vary in their levels of deliberation and planning. We find that deliberate burglars are more likely to be younger, male, less motivated by drugs, more proactive and thoughtful when selecting a target and more likely to use burglary tools while offending. These findings imply that situational crime prevention actions and measures may be more effective for impulsive burglars, but that deliberate burglars still consider such measures when selecting a target and carrying out their burglary. We also find that motivations differ for deliberate and impulsive burglars. This suggests that treatment services rendered to burglars may need to vary based on unique motivation.

Authors

• Amber Sanders, Pennsylvania State University

• Joseph B. Kuhns, University of North Carolina at Charlotte