ABSTRACT
Above and beyond the day to day problems that respondents have to deal with across the communities, this chapter explores their worries and fears in relation to crime and victimisation. The issues raised illustrate that fear of crime can have a significant impact on the everyday lives of individuals and can transform the overall quality of life in communities (Box et al, 1988). Fear of crime and victimisation may lead some people to change their behaviour, for example, staying indoors at night or avoiding areas that they feel could be dangerous. Some surround themselves with crime prevention devices such as extra locks, doorchains, to security devices on windows. Some people may even start to carry personal alarms (Hale, 1996). Consequently, as Box et al. (1988) suggests, fear of crime effects not only quality of life for individuals and communities, but has in and of itself become a major social issue.
