Influence of Trust for the Police in Gilgil Ward on Reporting of Property Crime by Victims in Gilgil Ward, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

The increase in property crime has been the main issue affecting the nation's security and economic growth. The rise in property crimes is sometimes associated with the reluctance of victims to report a crime. Hence, encouraging criminals to continue with criminal activities. In Gilgil Ward, property crimes have topped the list of crimes in the area. However, a low percentage of the reported crimes are property crimes. It is unclear why victims are not reporting property crimes, yet crimes are supposed to be reported to the police for action. Hence, the study aimed at establishing the influence of trust for the police in Gilgil Ward on reporting of property crime by victims in Gilgil Ward, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study used a mixed-method research design. The researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules as research instruments for the research study. The target population were the property crime victims, who had reported a crime to the police. The research study sample size was ninety-six (96). Stratified random sampling, purposive sampling, and snowballing sampling was used when selecting the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used in the data analysis. Descriptive statistics entailed the use of frequency distribution tables and percentages to summarize data on closed-ended items in the questionnaires. Data obtained from open-ended items in the questionnaire was categorized according to themes relevant to the study and was thematically analyzed. Findings from the study indicate that the level of trust for the police was at a “low level” with a mean of 1.19. However, majority of the respondents; 71.4%, 73.1%, 71.0%, and 75.3% indicated they were not influenced by trust in their decision to report property crime to the police, for robbery, burglary, housebreaking, and theft crimes respectively. This study recommends that, residents of Gilgil Ward should be enlightened on the role/importance of reporting property crime to the police so as to motivate proper policing. Also, the study recommends that, regular in-service training that covers both soft skills and technical skills, to be enforced to improve the police efficiency thus, increasing the level of trust for the police. Besides, the study recommends regular patrols to be conducted in Gilgil Ward to deter and/or arrest criminals.