BURGLARY VICTIMIZATION, PERCEPTIONS OF CRIME RISK, AND ROUTINE ACTIVITIES - A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS ACROSS SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS AND CENSUS TRACTS

This study extends previous research on the effects of victimization i n terms of fear of crime and constrained behavior by examining both mi cro- and macrolevel factors. In particular, we address the way in whic h contextual indicators of ambient risk can affect individuals' percei ved risk and lifestyles through both main effects and moderating effec ts-where the latter cause the effects of individual-level factors on r isk perception and routine activities to vary across residential commu nities. Results presented here suggest that increased levels of crime (as indicated by tract-level burglary rates) and disorganization (as i ndicated by high levels of neighborhood incivilities, for instance) ha ve important direct positive effects on perceived crime risk whereas n eighborhood social integration decreases perceived risk. Further tract -level crime rates have direct positive effects on protective behavior s, bra community disorder for the most part, does not lead to mt incre ase in precautionary measures. Important moderating effects of crime a nd disorganization are also found. For instance, the tendency for non- Whites to perceive lower crime risk (or to feel less unsafe) than Whit es is intensified in disorderly areas.