Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine looting behaviour during natural disaster incidents. As a consequence, this study considers looting in the context of two case studies: a Tsunami and a Bushfire. The study offers an exploration into the types of and motivations for looting, as well as reflecting on prevention measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach of a rapid evidence assessment (REA) is used to examine looting behaviour within the context of two natural disaster incidents, drawing on a thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006) to support the presentation of findings.

Findings

The findings of the REA yield three themes. The first theme, Theme 1, focuses on the types of offenders – looters, while Theme 2 focuses on the motivations for offending behaviour – looting. The final theme, Theme 3, presents crime prevention responses: looters and looting. Each theme is further illustrated through a number of sub-themes, and while the two case studies centre on two distinct natural disaster incidents, there are similarities that exist between them offering insights for why looting occurs and consequently how to respond to looting.

Research limitations/implications

Previous research has recognised how incidents such as bushfires enable and create opportunity for looting behaviour. Yet, arguably, little has been achieved in successfully preventing such behaviour. This study offers evidence for why looting occurs during natural disaster incidents and considers the prevention measures that can lead to a reduction in this offending into the future. The need for more detailed and primary research into looting during natural disaster incidents is a research implication engendered by the current study.

Practical implications

This study considers crime prevention approaches in the form of situational crime prevention and social development crime prevention that have direct relevance on crime prevention policy and practice. The practical implications are worthy of attention from law enforcement agencies and other first/emergency responders.

Social implications

This study seeks to offer evidence for policy and practice initiatives that can increase public safety and reduce further threats to community safety during natural disaster incidents.

Originality/value

After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, a concerted effort for swifter and more effective responses to emergency management incidents has occurred. However, the focus of such responses has typically overlooked looting during natural disaster incidents. This study goes some way in addressing that gap in the literature and connects the current scientific knowledge to prevention strategies, informing future policy and practice responses to addressing looting during such incidents. This study provides a stimuli for further research into looters, looting and natural disaster incidents.

中文翻译：

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自然灾害事件期间抢劫行为的犯罪学检查

目的

本研究的目的是检查自然灾害事件中的抢劫行为。因此，本研究在两个案例研究的背景下考虑抢劫：海啸和丛林大火。该研究探讨了抢劫的类型和动机，并反思了预防措施。

设计/方法/方法

快速证据评估 (REA) 的方法论方法用于检查两次自然灾害事件背景下的抢劫行为，并利用 Braun 和 Clarke（2006 年）概述的主题分析来支持调查结果的呈现。

发现

REA 的调查结果产生了三个主题。第一个主题，主题 1，侧重于犯罪者的类型——掠夺者，而主题 2 侧重于犯罪行为的动机——掠夺。最后一个主题，主题 3，介绍了预防犯罪的对策：抢劫者和抢劫。每个主题都通过多个子主题进一步说明，虽然这两个案例研究集中在两个不同的自然灾害事件上，但它们之间存在相似之处，为抢劫发生的原因以及如何应对抢劫提供了见解。

研究限制/影响

先前的研究已经认识到，森林大火等事件如何促成和创造抢劫行为的机会。然而，可以说，在成功阻止此类行为方面几乎没有取得任何成就。这项研究为自然灾害事件中发生抢劫的原因提供了证据，并考虑了可以减少未来这种犯罪行为的预防措施。需要对自然灾害事件期间的抢劫进行更详细和初步的研究是当前研究产生的研究意义。

实际影响

本研究考虑了与犯罪预防政策和实践直接相关的情境犯罪预防和社会发展犯罪预防形式的犯罪​​预防方法。实际意义值得执法机构和其他第一/紧急响应者关注。

社会影响

本研究旨在为可以提高公共安全并减少自然灾害事件期间对社区安全的进一步威胁的政策和实践举措提供证据。

原创性/价值

9/11 恐怖袭击事件发生后，各方齐心协力，更迅速、更有效地应对应急管理事件。然而，此类反应的重点通常忽略了自然灾害事件期间的抢劫。这项研究在一定程度上解决了文献中的这一空白，并将当前的科学知识与预防策略联系起来，为未来应对此类事件中的抢劫问题提供政策和实践响应。本研究为进一步研究抢劫者、抢劫和自然灾害事件提供了动力。