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Do crime victims lose trust in others? Evidence from Germany

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  • Friehe, Tim
  • Do, Vu Mai Linh

Abstract

This paper analyzes the empirical relationship between crime victimization and interpersonal trust. Using German data from a victimization survey of the German Federal Criminal Police Office, we find a robust and economically meaningful negative association between trust level and exposure to the crime types considered (robbery, burglary, theft, and physical violence). The finding suggests additional repercussions from crime and may motivate law enforcement reform to remedy the adverse effects of lower trust.

Suggested Citation

  • Friehe, Tim & Do, Vu Mai Linh, 2023. "Do crime victims lose trust in others? Evidence from Germany," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:105:y:2023:i:c:s2214804323000538
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2023.102027
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    Cited by:

    1. Palmisano, Flaviana, 2025. "Economic crimes and trust toward political institutions: evidence from online fraud victimization and related policy interventions in Italy," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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