Deck 43: Deciding to Commit a Burglary

Question 1

In the large majority of cases, Wright and Decker report the decision to commit a burglary is based on

A) no one reason: 95 out 102 offenders report multitude of reasons.
B) three equal reasons: cash, status, getting even.
C) offenders perceive a pressing need for cash.
D) offenders are seeking status image of the "big wheel."

Answer 1

offenders perceive a pressing need for cash.

Question 2

Wright and Decker report nearly ¾ of respondents reported using proceeds from burglary to

A) keep cash around for rainy day.
B) keep things together.
C) keep up appearances.
D) keep the party going.

Answer 2

keep the party going.

Question 3

Wright and Decker report 43/95 respondents reported using proceeds from burglary to

A) keep up appearances.
B) keep things together.
C) keep cash around for rainy day.
D) keep the party going.

Answer 3

keep things together.

Question 4

Why do a majority of respondents report choosing burglary over legitimate work?

A) few if any burglars commit only this type of crime; for most this is a sideline involving other kinds of theft and even robbery.
B) most or 85/102 respondents commit burglary because they are part of gang or "crew" that specialize in this line of illegal work.
C) 67/99 respondents reported they like thrill of doing robbery.
D) most available jobs poorly paid; 43/78 unemployed subjects reported they would stop committing offenses if they got good job.

Question 5

According to Wright and Decker, a few offenders reported committing burglary primarily for the

A) risk, thrill and excitement.
B) need to break the law.
C) peer pressure.
D) extra money.

Question 6

Discuss some of the ways burglars use the money they acquire from robberies.

Question 7

Explain why burglars decide to commit their crime. What would an effective rehabilitation program for persons convicted of their crime need to focus on? Explain.

Question 8

Do you agree that most burglars would stop committing burglaries if they could get a good job? How would the reasons that Wright and Decker provide for why offender commit burglaries lead you to your position? Explain.