Assessing Deterrence through Dynamic Guardianship in Incarcerated Burglars – A Virtual Reality Study

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

In order to reduce burglary, we need to better understand this group of offenders. Guardianship is known to have a deterrent effect on burglars. In two studies, we examined the effects of dynamic guardianship on the intentions and behavior of incarcerated burglars using virtual reality. Three forms of guardianship are examined: increase in the intensity of street lighting, sounds that signal the presence of individuals, and Watching Eyes signs. The dynamic interventions are triggered by the proximity and movement of the participants.
A sample of 160 incarcerated burglars are doing both studies within a single experimental session. Equipped with a head-mounted display they navigate two immersive virtual neighborhoods in which they can freely move around. Participants are instructed to scout these neighborhoods to explore possibilities for burglary and will be exposed to different types of interventions.
The studies will deepen our understanding of how these implicit forms of guardianship affect burglars’ perceived surveillance and feelings of being watched, risk of committing burglary, and intentions to burglarize. Eye-tracking data and the analysis of spatial behavior will further contribute to assess the extent to which these forms of guardianship have a disruptive effect on burglars. Preliminary results are presented at the conference

Authors

• Carmen Sergiou, Leiden University

• Dominik Gerstner, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law

• Jean-Louis van Gelder, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law