A Systematic Literature Review of Doorstep Crime: Are the Crime‐Prevention Strategies More Harmful than the Crime?

Research literature into doorstep crime is limited. This article draws on a focused literature review, to explore existing evidence about the efficacy of crime‐prevention strategies targeting doorstep crime. The findings of the review suggest that doorstep crime strategies to protect older people frequently present offenders as a ‘monstrous figure’; promote home security aids and adaptations; increase vigilance and suspicion; and encourage new doorstep habits. This article examines the nature and development of doorstep crime, and critiques the efficacy of prevention strategies that may, it is argued, risk damaging the older person's quality of life.