Perceptions of risk, lifestyle activities, and fear of crime

This study explored the relationship between perceptions of risk, routine night time activities, and fear of crime. The hypothesis that the effect of gender and age on fear of crime is mediated by individuals' perception of risk and the extent that they engage in night time routine activities was tested. Data from a survey of a representative sample of the population in Israel were used, and LISREL models were estimated. Individuals with previous experience of victimization and women reported higher levels of perceived risk. The higher the perceived risk, the less likely was the person to engage in routine night time activities and the more likely to fear crime. A salient finding was that gender had a direct effect on fear and indirect effects through perceived risk and routine activities. The implications of the findings are discussed.