Crime inequality when victims adapt

Crime levels have risen significantly in Argentina during recent years. In this study, we analyze the relationship between crime victimization and income distribution. Our main question is whether the rich or the poor have been the main victims of this crime rise. For home robberies, we found that the poor have suffered the main crime increases. For street robberies, both groups show similar augments in victimization. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the rich are better able to protect their houses through private security devices than the poor. Additional evidence supports this interpretation.
Departamento de Economía