This is the ninth in a series offering data from the FBI’s latest crime reports based on crimes reported to law enforcement. The first was Locations Of Violent Crime-Where Crime Happens. The second was The Time Of Day For Violent And Property Crimes. The third was Violent Crime Totals By State. The fourth was Violent Crime Victims By Race And Ethnicity-Who’s Victimized Most? The fifth was Are Females Violently Victimized More Than Males? The sixth is Most People Are Violently Victimized By Family Members Or People They Know. The seventh is 10 Percent Of Violent Victimizations Involved A Firearm-Weapons Used During Crime. The eighth is Most Crimes Are Not Solved-Why?
Most Crimes Are Not Reported
Per the National Crime Victimization Survey from the Bureau of Justice Statistics of the US Department of Justice, only 42 percent of violent crimes are reported to law enforcement.
Thirty-two percent of property crimes are reported.
Nevertheless, the numbers below from the FBI are some of the best indicators we have regarding the total number of “reported” crimes and the characteristics of those crimes.
This report is difficult to write because the great majority of crimes are not reported to law enforcement and it’s logical that an accurate count of attempted-uncompleted crimes is greatly impacted by nonreporting. Many believe that it’s the serious-completed crimes that are reported to police.
Nevertheless, the numbers from the FBI below provide some insight.
When I was the senior specialist for crime prevention for the US Department of Justice’s clearinghouse, and the director of information services for the National Crime Prevention Council, uncompleted crimes (and the reasons why) were the topic of discussion.
What can people do to prevent themselves from being violently victimized? What precautions can people take to keep themselves from becoming victims of burglary or other property crimes? These questions were the heart and soul of the very successful “McGruff, Take A Bite Out Of Crime” national media campaign that I advised.
The numbers from the FBI, while problematic because of unreporting, show:
98,000 attempted larcenies
56,000 attempted frauds
43,000 attempted burglaries
38,000 attempted motor vehicle thefts
15,000 attempted robberies
Equaling 250,000 attempted property crimes using rounded numbers. Yes, the FBI classifies robbery as a property crime.
Are There Reasons for Non-Completed Crimes?
Sure.
Most vehicle thefts can be deterred by steering wheel locking devices.
Most burglars can be discouraged by burglar alarms-video cameras or by having good doors and windows that are locked. Some surveys indicate that burglars hate barking dogs.
Most larcenies can be stopped by the same techniques used for burglary prevention. Do not leave valuables unattended and in plain sight outdoors.
We consistently tell people to be aware of fraud and not to click on suspicious links or emails. We warn people not to share any personal or financial information with anyone except websites they trust.
Many robberies can be deterred simply by not being alone. This applies to all violent crimes. The vast majority of violent crimes happen when the victim is alone. Understanding and evaluating potential risks and not taking chances greatly helps. Most violent crime takes place in residential (or near-residential) settings by people the victim knows. Simply understanding the dynamics of violent crime can assist people in making safe choices.
Conclusions
If we had a better count of reported crimes, the 250,000 number above would be small in comparison.
But people are taking steps to protect themselves and it’s working.
Per Gallup, 52 percent of American households now have a firearm in the home which is a big increase over prior years. Respondents are now admitting that it’s for protection. This is not a pro or anti-gun statement; merely an acknowledgment that people are taking precautions.
Burglar alarm and security product firms state that their devices are selling very well.
While the data from the FBI is flawed, it does indicate that people are taking precautions and in many cases, it’s working.
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