The impact of presenting information about crime prevention on punitiveness: Insights from a study of residential burglary

Abstract

Crime prevention and punitiveness are major issues in Japanese society and have been thoroughly discussed in academia. However, the relationship between crime prevention and punitiveness, specifically how the presentation of information about crime prevention by public authorities influences punitiveness, has not been investigated. In this study, 975 Japanese adults were presented with information (in a flyer-like form) emphasizing the importance of engaging in private crime-prevention activities. The results showed that: (a) the presentation of consciousness-raising information about crime prevention increased punitiveness, and (b) this relationship was mediated by society-level fear of crime. Based on these findings, we discussed the need for public agencies responsible for crime control to be aware of this potential effect when providing information to the public.