Cross-Cultural Analysis of Perceptions of Environmental Characteristics in the Target Selection Process for Residential Burglary

Abstract

What are the environmental characteristics that constitute the burglars' template used in their target selection? Are there any similarities or differences in a burglar's template for burglary across cultures? This study attempts to answer these research questions by carrying out experiments, developing a simulated model of burglars' target selection processes, in Korea and the United States. In developing the simulation model, 12 imaginary blocks and 109 dwelling units were constructed to test the hypothesis in relation to a burglar's block and dwelling unit selection. The results of the experiments showed that both culture groups had similar patterns in perceiving environmental characteristics suitable for residential burglary, except for a few differences. Both groups showed a similar pattern of balancing risk and ease factors in their target selection. Overall, both groups considered risk factors as relatively more important than ease factors in decision making. However, the Korean group showed a relatively balanced consideration of risk and ease factors in dwelling unit selection than the US group.