Vulnerability and risk: some lessons from the UK reducing burglary initiative

Various police and partnership schemes claim to address vulnerability, either as an end in itself, or as a means of crime reduction. However, project staff do not articulate always what is meant by ‘vulnerability,’ or relate it necessarily to victimization risk. This paper considers what the notions of ‘vulnerability’ and ‘risk’ mean, and how they are tackled and prioritized. Some lessons are provided from the UK Reducing Burglary Initiative. The paper argues that un-evidenced assumptions of vulnerability and risk need to be avoided. Additionally, a decision to focus on vulnerability is, mostly, one to reduce disadvantage rather than crime.