Crime news, fear of crime, and mistrust: an examination o f protective factors against influences of local crime news

This study investigates interpersonal communication ties and a neighborhood context as moderators of the influences of local crime news on fear of crime and mistrust. Data from a web survey of residents in Chicago show that the relationship between attention to local crime news and fear of crime is weaker for respondents who more frequently communicate with neighbors both intimately and casually and who live in more walkable neighborhoods. Data also indicate that the relationship between local crime news and mistrust is weaker for those who more often communicate with neighbors intimately and live in more walkable neighborhoods. Findings are discussed in terms of protective factors against the negative influences of local crime news.