The fear of crime in Italian provinces: an explanatory analysis

Abstract

This essay is part of the criminological debate on the factors which influence the fear of crime. A selection of explanatory hypotheses related to the fear of crime have been chosen (direct and indirect victimisation, disorder/incivility, vulnerability and sub-cultural diversity). The analysis, by means of a multiple linear regression, tests the validity of such assumptions. The findings of this first study on the fear of crime in Italian provinces seem to confirm all the hypotheses put forward, with the exception of victimisation (the levels of crime in a given area do not statistically explain the level of fear of crime).Apart from victimisation, all the other hypotheses seem to be confirmed in related literature and foreign research: one feels more insecure (more afraid) in ones local area not only because one is more afraid of being victimised (robbery, assault, muggings), but also because one perceives more signs of disorder; one feels more vulnerable; in ones community there are ever more foreigners with whom one is unable to communicate and who seem to behave in a deviant manner, thus raising the level of fear among locals, as such deviant behaviour does not abide by traditional local values. Furthermore, the extent of urbanisation seems to affect the level of security: living in an urban area reduces ones sense of security as it is in these areas that one perceives a higher level of social disorder and a reduced level of social control. On the contrary to such findings, areas in which the quality of life is higher show a positive impact on the fear of crime, thus reducing it. Regarding possible interventions to reduce the fear of crime, this study shows that the variables which have a significant influence on it derive from areas which are outside the reach and control of law enforcement agencies. Thus, in order to reduce the fear of crime, public authorities must implement joint actions by introducing a range of various policies on a local level.