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Economic Determinants of Theft: Some Empirical Results

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  • Michael L. Sesnowitz

    (Kent State University)

  • J. Lawrence Hexter

    (Kent State University)

Abstract

A simultaneous equations model in which crime is a function of the probabillty of conviction, penalty, gross yield, and socioeconomic variables is presented and tested for the crimes of robbery and burglary. The cross-section data used from 31 states for 1970 support the hypotheses that crime rates fall when the severity and certainty of punishment are increased and the gross gain from the crime is decreased. The results reported are consistent with those of previous investigators. However, the current study uses homeowners insurance claims as a proxy for the gross gain from robberies and burglaries. While imperfect, this measure is more direct than those used by most previous investigators. As a result, the present study provides more direct support for the hypothesis that thieves respond to the amount available for stealing .

Suggested Citation

  • Michael L. Sesnowitz & J. Lawrence Hexter, 1982. "Economic Determinants of Theft: Some Empirical Results," Public Finance Review, , vol. 10(4), pages 489-498, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:pubfin:v:10:y:1982:i:4:p:489-498
    DOI: 10.1177/109114218201000405
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gary S. Becker, 1974. "Crime and Punishment: An Economic Approach," NBER Chapters, in: Essays in the Economics of Crime and Punishment, pages 1-54, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Sjoquist, David Lawrence, 1973. "Property Crime and Economic Behavior: Some Empirical Results," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 63(3), pages 439-446, June.
    3. Thaler, Richard, 1977. "An econometric analysis of property crime : Interaction between police and criminals," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 8(1), pages 37-51, August.
    4. Kenneth L. Avio & C. Scott Clark, 1978. "The Supply of Property Offences in Ontario: Evidence on the Deterrent Effect of Punishment," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 11(1), pages 1-19, February.
    5. Block, M K & Heineke, J M, 1975. "A Labor Theoretic Analysis of the Criminal Choice," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 65(3), pages 314-325, June.
    6. Ehrlich, Isaac, 1973. "Participation in Illegitimate Activities: A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 81(3), pages 521-565, May-June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Eide, Erling & Rubin, Paul H. & Shepherd, Joanna M., 2006. "Economics of Crime," Foundations and Trends(R) in Microeconomics, now publishers, vol. 2(3), pages 205-279, December.
    2. Kwabena Gyimah-Brempong, 1989. "Functional Substitution among Crimes: Some Evidence," Eastern Economic Journal, Eastern Economic Association, vol. 15(2), pages 129-140, Apr-Jun.
    3. Hakim, Simon & Shachmurove, Yochanan, 1996. "Social cost benefit analysis of commercial and residential burglar and fire alarms," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 49-67, February.
    4. Simon Hakim & George F. Rengert & Yochanan Shachmurove, 1995. "Burglar and Fire Alarms," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(2), pages 145-161, April.

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