Suitable targets of crime

Abstract

At the time of the fieldwork for the present study, property-related crime occurred frequently in Tang Village. Money, bank cards, electronic devices, cell phones, and metal materials were the hot products for theft. The typical residents in the village shared accommodation with co-workers or friends to make housing more affordable. Room sharing became a problem as it increased the likelihood of internal theft. The average workers had to work long hours to make ends meet, leaving their homes unattended. The thieves noted such monotonous daily routines, and they were able to predict when a home would be vacant. Migrant workers coming from the countryside had lower security awareness and self-protection, leaving doors unlocked or not implementing anti-theft measures. Some chose to take a passive role in preventing re-victimization.