How Drugs Affect Decisions by Burglars

Abstract

Thirty drug-using burglars participated in reconstructions of past burglaries and were interviewed extensively over a period of 16 months. Unlike previous research with burglars, the informants were ACTIVE burglars interviewed in their own environment. The study attempted to determine whether their decision-making processes were rational and to what extent drug and alcohol use affected those decisions. Their drug use and their criminal activity were found to be inextricably interrelated. Heroin addicts were found to be more rational than previously believed and capable of controlling their drug use to a significant extent. Drug use was found to facilitate the commission of crimes for some burglars. Public policy implications are discussed.