Fear of crime within the context of changing perceptions of security: A comparative analysis

This study, which examines the factors influencing fear of crime, was conducted among a sample of people residing in the centers of two provinces in Türkiye: Konya and Şanlıurfa. The study investigates the effects of perceptions of insecurity, perceived risk of victimization, neighborhood cohesion, perceptions of disorder, protective and avoidant behaviors, trust in internal security forces on fear of crime. The primary objective of the study is to analyze the variables that determine fear of crime and to explain the differences in the factors influencing fear of crime among individuals residing in the centers of these two provinces. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the impact of trust in internal security forces on fear of crime. In this study, which employed a quantitative research methodology, the data collected through questionnaires was analyzed using SPSS software. The research findings indicate that the impact of trust in internal security forces on fear of crime varies significantly between the two provinces. In Konya, trust in internal security forces has no significant effect on fear of crime. Conversely, in Şanlıurfa, trust in internal security forces was found to increase fear of crime. Furthermore, the study found that protective behaviors reduced fear of crime in both provinces, whereas avoidant behaviors increased fear of crime specifically in Şanlıurfa. The study highlights that fear of crime is a multidimensional phenomenon shaped not only by individual factors but also by social and environmental conditions. In this context, it is recommended to design security policies that are adaptable to various social conditions and to enhance individual and community-based support mechanisms to reduce fear of crime.