Perceptions and Fear of Crime: The Alexandra Community Crime Survey

This paper draws on interviews held in October and November 1991 with 34 residents of Alexandra and 18 key informants associated with defence, policing, health and welfare, education and the administration of the township. The paper attempts to profile how violent crime has impacted upon the lives of people living in an area of Alexandra, Gauteng. The research locates the broader questions about the nature, extent, impact and control of violent crime within the narrow context of a small, community-based study focusing on the respondents' perceptions of, and reactions to violent crime.