Public communication about home burglary prevention in Belgium: Strengths and weaknesses tested by content analysis and focus group interviews

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the content, format and evaluation of printed public communication from police officers and governments regarding home burglary prevention in Belgium.

Design/methodology/approach

The content and format in this paper is analyzed through content analysis of 104 printed communication pieces in the Belgian province of Flemish‐Brabant in 2005. The evaluation is analyzed through five focus group interviews among professionals and common citizens.

Findings

The paper finds that police zones significantly differ in terms of communication efforts. The media mix is not diverse with poor collaboration between police officers and government information officers, while intermediaries (i.e. architects) are rarely used, culminating in poor targeted communication.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that only printed communication is analyzed and more large‐scale empirical research is desired.

Practical implications

The paper shows that a richer media mix, more targeted communication, more national communication support and additional dialogue between and training of police officers and communication with professionals are advisable.

Originality/value

This paper combines two empirical studies and methods (content analysis and focus group interviews), resulting in a series of recommendations for further inquiry and future action.

Citation

Gelders, D., Peeraer, H. and Goossens, J. (2007), "Public communication about home burglary prevention in Belgium: Strengths and weaknesses tested by content analysis and focus group interviews", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 567-586. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639510710833875