The turn of the century was accompanied by a significant increase of crime-rates of domestic burglary. The number of burglaries rose by 131% between 2001 (8.484 reported cases) and 2005 (19.753 reported cases). The project we designed in this context tried to give a descriptive account of the phenomenon and its changes in terms of who are the offenders, which modus operandi do they use, which kind of targets and goods do they prefer? We also asked for possible reasons of this significant increase of the crime-rates.

Study design
A mixed-method strategy involving expert interviews was used, also document analysis of 120 offender files (resp. 630 documented burglaries) and open-ended semi-structured interviews with 20 imprisoned offenders.

Causes for the increase of domestic burglary
Without access to the dark figures and a very low clear-up rate of 7% it is hard to find convincing arguments for the increasing crime rates in this field. Police experts referred to deep social and political changes in some post-soviet countries (Moldova, Georgia) causing a new wave of criminal activities of foreign offenders in Austria. Austria in turn became a target for offenders operating in large geographical areas. The increase of mobility in south-eastern neighbouring countries also led to an increase of domestic burglary in Austria. On the level of subjects psychologists argued that the production of needs for self-realisation and increasing economic pressure foster illegal activities. Insurance experts and police prevention officers complained about low security standards in Austrian, especially in Viennese households, which make domestic burglary more attractive for all kinds of offenders. There are some indicators (value of stolen goods and overall damage per case) that suggest an increasing level of professionalization among burglars.

Modi operandi and stolen goods
There is a group of burglars that seem to operate more organised in terms of choosing and entering targets. These observations suggest a higher level of professionalism. But in general the modi operandi didn’t change. Burglars use simple tools for entering targets and also the practices of transportation and disposition of goods maintained.

The composition of stolen goods didn’t change either. Still cash-money, jewellery and watches are of highest relevance. The acceleration of developments in computer and electronic industries opened a new market for stolen goods, especially for mobile phones and electronic devices. Cellars, especially in single-family houses, show a different pattern: bicycles and food are among the most relevant goods in these targets.

Offenders
Statistical analysis (latent class analysis) of offender files and experts’ views of those who have contact with burglars on a routine basis enabled us to develop some hypotheses of the offender structure and the types of burglars, at least for those with a high chance of being imprisoned. The latent class analysis as well as experts’ schematisations showed a tripartite classification. Class 1 (48%) for the most part consisted of foreign burglars acting on a more professional basis who choose flats and family houses as preferred targets. Within this class it is more likely that offenders are organised (the chance of acting together with accomplices is high). Class 2 (31%) for the most part comprises drug-addicted offenders who prefer cellars and flats, and seldom have accomplices. Class 3 (21%) is constituted by offenders with Austrian citizenship. They have a balanced preference between flats and cellars and a low level of professionalism, but a higher chance to act together with accomplices.

Suggestions for prevention
Especially in Vienna, households are poorly protected compared to other European cities. Technical security devices (safety doors) are missing as well as social control by neighbours. Both levels should be strengthened. This work can partly be done by governmental agencies on the community level and by police officers (prevention officers), and needs new forms of cooperation within civil society and between communal and governmental agencies.