The Relationship between Crime Victimization and Property Crimes Reporting to the Kenyan Police in Gilgil Ward, Nakuru County

Crime victimization and the subsequent choice to notify the police are complex behaviors influenced by various psychological, socio-economic, and contextual factors. Studies on crime victimization suggest that individuals’ experiences and perceptions of crime significantly shape their willingness to report incidents to law enforcement. This study examines the relationship between crime victimization and the reporting of property crimes to the Kenyan police in Gilgil Ward, Nakuru County. Employing a mixed-approach study design, the study combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to analyze the impact of various factors, such as the nature of the crime, incident location, socio-economic conditions, and trust levels towards the police, on victims’ decisions to report property crimes. Data were collected from 96 respondents through questionnaires and interviews. The study found that burglary had the highest reporting rate (78.0%), while theft had the lowest (40.8%). The study identified factors such as the lack of surveillance during curfews, limited police patrols, and the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as contributors to crime patterns and reporting behaviors. The study recommends that strengthening the relationship between the police and the community is essential to encourage crime reporting., establishing more police posts, enhancing community engagement, and using digital platforms to encourage crime reporting. These strategies could improve the reporting rate of property crimes, leading to better crime management and community safety in Gilgil Ward, Nakuru County.