Risky Altruism, Criminal Victimization, Fear of Crime, and Security Mindedness

This research explored the reasons that risky altruists experience higher levels of criminal victimization. Three samples were surveyed for this research: college students (n = 101), registered voters from a high-crime area (n = 59), and registered voters from a relatively low- crime area (n = 91), for a total sample of 251. Replicating earlier research, risky altruism was found to be a significant predictor of victimization: r = .30 (p < .001). The relationship between risky altruism and criminal victimization was partly accounted for by risky altruists' lower fear of crime and their lower use of security measures, especially when their level of victimization was taken into account. It was recommended that altruistic people be made aware of their increased risk and pay more attention to security measures.