Author: Vollaard, Ben
Title: Does Regulation of Built-in Security Reduce Crime? Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Summary: As of 1999, all new-built homes in the Netherlands have to have burglary-proof windows and doors. This study provides evidence that this large-scale government intervention in the use of self-protective measures lowers crime and improves social welfare. The study found that the regulatory change reduced burglary in new-built homes from 1.1 to 0.8 percent annually, a reduction of 26 percent. The evidence on displacement of burglary to older homes is inconclusive. The findings suggest that burglars avoid old, less-protected homes that are located in the direct vicinity of the new, better-protected homes. The study found no evidence of displacement to other property crimes including theft from cars and bicycle theft. The direct cost of installing burglary proof windows and doors are relatively small. Even though the regulation of built-in security does not target preventative measures at homes that are most at risk, the social benefits of the regulation are likely to exceed the social costs.
Details: Tilburg, The Netherlands: Tilburg University, Department of Economics; Parkville, Australia: University of Melbourne, Department of Economics, 2010. 31p.
Source: Internet Resource
Year: 2010
Country: United States
URL:
Shelf Number: 118412
Keywords:
Burglary (Netherlands)Crime PreventionDisplacementSecurity |
