Predictors of Fear of Crime among residents in selected communities in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the socio-demographic characteristics, community characteristics, sources of fear of crime, frequency of news of crime, sources of information on crime, length of stay in the community and perception of rate of crime as predictors of fear of crime among residents in selected communities in Lagos, Nigeria. The study used cross-sectional survey to collect data from 800 respondents, who were randomly selected from four purposively selected communities based on the level of perceived level of social disorganisation- Idi-Araba, Idi-Oro, and Mushin and Surulere. The data were analysed at both descriptive and quantitative analyses. The result revealed that the public sector employee account for approximately twice as much as other factors to the prediction of the fear of crime among the participants under reference. Similarly, ‘not afraid of becoming a victim of crime’ and information about local crime and crime prevention’ contributed two times more than other factors to the prediction of observed fear of crime. Frequency of news about crime, are approximately two times more likely to be predictive of fear of crime. The result revealed that sources of information on crime (such as direct experience, interpersonal communication and mass media are approximately three times more likely predictive of fear of crime when not augmented with other predictors of fear of crime. As for the socio-demographic factors, education and religion have decreasing impact on fear of crime whereas marital status hastens fear of crime with housewife being three times more likely predictive of fear of crime. Intervention should be targeted at the vulnerable group such as separated and divorced to alleviate their fear of crime. Also, how information on crime news is disseminated should be reconsidered to reduce fear of crime among the populace. Lastly, the study suggests a complete overhaul of the general requirements for the standardization and modernization of procedures of policing and involvement of community in crime prevention.