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The Australian Perspective
Throughout January & February 2004, The National Electronics Registry Database System surveyed hundreds of Australians from varying backgrounds, in a bid to gauge your views on crime in Australia. Do we feel safe when out alone at night? Would we purchase stolen goods? Do we think criminals should be held more accountable?
1. Crime Levels in Australia are on the decline.
78.5% disagreed or strongly disagreed with this statement.
A high proportion of respondents indicated this view was directly influenced by what they had seen and heard in the media.
The facts: In most cases and within most categories, crime levels are on the decline. To view the most reliable figures, visit the Australian Institute of Criminology’s website www.aic.gov.au or select the below link http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/facts/2002/part2.html
2. If someone offered me a stolen TV, at a great price, I would take it.
79% of men and 92% of women claimed they would NOT take stolen goods if offered to them.
3. If someone offered me a stolen TV at a great price, and I knew there was a high likelihood that I would be caught with that item, I would take it.
99.7% of all respondents said they would decline stolen property if the chances of arrest were increased.
4. Sometimes, it’s okay to steal
92% of women surveyed claimed it was never okay to steal compared to 89% of men.
5. I have purchased stolen goods in the past.
Men and women under 25 were twice as likely to have purchased stolen property. 90% of women had never purchased stolen property overall, whilst 83% of men had never knowingly purchased a stolen item.
6. I know someone who owns stolen goods.
Again, under 25s were far more likely to know someone who had purchased stolen property in the past. 33% of female respondents knew someone who had purchased stolen items, compared to 48% of men
7. I have been offered stolen goods in the past.
- 56% of men said yes
- 55% of women said yes
8. I have been the victim of theft.
Women were far more likely to be the victim of theft than men, according to our survey results. These figures in no way reflect the rate of reported incidents of theft (incidents wherein a police report was filed) nation wide. In many cases, theft of wallets, cash, or similar items were cited. Respondents claimed they saw little point in reporting the incident.
- 63% of men surveyed had been the victims of theft.
- 77% of women surveyed had been the victims of theft.
9. I believe crimes are committed by.
- Mostly Juveniles: 21%
- Mostly adults: 20%
- Equally by both: 59%
The facts: Compared to adults, Juveniles are three times more likely to be identified as an offender.
10. Most crimes involve a violent act.
36% of female respondents agreed with this statement, compared to only 15% of men.
11. More Juveniles are committing offences than in recent years.
79% of women felt more juveniles were committing offences than in recent years, compared to 56% of men.
The facts: The rate of persons detained in Juvenile detention centres has been on a general decrease since 1995. In 2001, juveniles aged 10-17 detained throughout Australia totalled 541: The lowest level since 1992.
12. I believe criminal judges are too lenient.
- 62% of male respondents agreed with this statement.
- 70% of females agreed with this statement.
13. I believe criminal judges are too inconsistent
- 78% of men agreed with this statement
- 71% of women agreed with this statement
Fact:The Sydney Morning Herald conducted a public opinion poll in April 2000 regarding the introduction of mandatory sentencing laws (a possible solution to perceived inconsistencies).
The poll results? 53% of respondents opposed mandatory sentencing for adults.
14. I believe criminals aren’t held accountable enough for their actions.
- 73% of men agreed with this statement.
- 77% of women agreed with this statement.
15. I believe that criminals should be made to compensate their victims via financial means.
- 77% of men agreed with this statement.
- 70% of women agreed with this statement.
16. I believe I may be the victim of a crime within the next year.
- 54% of men agreed with this statement.
- 52% of women agreed with this statement.
17. I worry about being the victim of theft (includes vehicle theft, theft from a vehicle, unlawful entry with intent, or stealing).
- 74% of women said theft was a concern for them.
- 58% of men said theft was a concern for them.
18. I believe I live in a high-risk crime area.
66% of both men and women disagreed with this statement.
19. Fear of crime has a negative affect on my quality of life.
79% of men and 68% of women disagreed with this statement
20. I feel unsafe when out alone after dark.
· 77% of men disagreed with this statement.
73% of women stated they DID feel unsafe when out alone after dark.
The Facts: Males aged 15-24, are the most likely to fall victim to assault, or other violent act, across all categories (i.e., murder, manslaughter, malicious wounding etc.).
Males are also the MOST likely to fall victim to assault when outside the home. Further, Males are twice as likely to be the victim of assault by someone they do not know.
Importantly, the risk of sexual assault is four times greater for women than men, particularly under the age of 25. 33% of recorded sexual assault occurred outside a residential location.
21. I feel unsafe when home alone after dark.
- 99% of men disagreed with this statement.
- 69% of women disagreed with this statement.
22. Most Unlawful Entry with Intent occur at night.
- 68% Men disagreed
- 59% of women disagreed
23. I believe burglaries in my area are committed by local residents.
- 25% said unsure
- 27% said no
- 48% said yes
24. I have household contents insurance.
25. Factors such as education, upbringing, environment, family background, and/or peers play a major role in the likelihood of criminal behaviour.
- 83% of men agreed with this statement.
- 88% of women agreed with this statement.
26. When a criminal commits an offence he or she is 100% responsible for his or her actions.
- 84% of women agreed with this statement.
- 71% of men agreed with this statement.
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