Understanding the structure and composition of co-offending networks in Australia

Abstract

Research on co-offending The literature on crime and criminal behaviour has long recognised that a large volume of criminal offending involves two or more individuals acting collaboratively. Although the true size and impact of co-offending is still not well known, previous research suggests that up to 35 percent of all crime events involve more than one offender (Carrington 2002; Hodgson 2007; van Mastrigt & Carrington 2014; van Mastrigt & Farrington 2009). Research has further demonstrated that co-offending may lead to an escalation in offending and cause more harms to victims, property and society than solo offending (Carrington 2002; Felson 2003). The study of co-offending patterns is critical to developing a comprehensive understanding of crime statistics, theories of crime and criminal careers; estimation of societal harms; and the impact of policy interventions, including deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation (eg McGloin et al. 2008; Morselli, Grund & Boivin 2015; Zimring 1981). Abstract | A large volume of criminal offending involves two or more individuals acting collaboratively. In recent years, much contemporary research on group crime has integrated research on co-offending with the study of criminal networks. However, while this research (mostly from the United States and Canada) is generating significant insights into co-offending, there is a notable absence of research on co-offending and co-offending networks in Australia.