Crime and fear of criminal victimization have become major problems in American society. Citizens react to crime in a variety of ways, including distrusting others, avoiding particular places, taking protective action, changing their daily activities, and participating in collective action. The present article reviews these psychological and behavioral reactions to crime. It summarizes current trends in the nature of crime and fear of criminal victimization that may help explain public reactions to crime. The article concludes with a discussion of the consequences of fear and individuals' withdrawal from urban life.
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