Right realists

• Wilson & Hernstein


  Crime is caused by a combination of biological and social factors.
• Hernstein & Murray


  The main cause of crime is low intelligence, which is biologically predetermined.
• Murray

  Crime rate is increasing because of a growing underclass who are defined by their deviant behaviour and who fail to socialise their children properly.
• Clarke

  The decision to commit a crime is a choice based on a rational calculation of the likely consequences. If the perceived rewards are greater than those of non-criminal behaviour, people are more likely to offend.
• Wilson

  ‘If the supply and value of legitimate opportunities was declining at the very time that the cost of illegitimate opportunities was also declining, a rational teenager might conclude that it made more sense to steal cars than to wash them.’
• Felson


  Routine activity theory:

  For a crime to occur, there must be a motivated offender, suitable target and absence of a ‘capable guardian.
• Cromwell et al

  Hurricane Andrew, Florida:

  In the chaos that immediately followed the hurricane, patrols by local citizens to protect property during absence of police prevented looting and crime rates decreased during this period.
• Wilson & Kelling

  Broken windows:

  It is essential to maintain the orderly character of neighbourhoods to prevent crime taking hold. Any sign of deterioration must be dealt with immediately.
• Other methods of tackling crime:

  Zero tolerance policy

  Reduce rewards and increase the cost of crime