DETERMINANTS OF ARMED ROBBERY AMONG RESIDENTS OF KENEMA MUNICIPALITY, SIERRA LEONE

Author: Francis Amadu

ABSTRACT

Armed robbery remains a serious threat to personal security, community stability and local economic development, particularly in urban communities where unemployment, poverty, substance abuse and weaknesses in formal security structures intersect. This study examined the determinants of armed robbery among residents of Kenema Municipality, Sierra Leone. Specifically, it investigated the major socioeconomic and social factors associated with armed robbery, examined the role of substance abuse and peer influence, assessed residents’ perceptions of security measures and policing strategies, and explored the effects of armed robbery on residents and communities. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study population comprised community residents, law-enforcement officers, traders and business owners, and community leaders within Kenema Municipality. A sample of 60 respondents was selected through a combination of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Primary data were collected mainly through a structured questionnaire, while documentary sources were used to support the analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages.

The findings showed that unemployment and poverty were perceived as the leading causes of armed robbery, with 53% of respondents identifying them as the principal factors. Furthermore, 89.6% either agreed or strongly agreed that poverty and limited economic opportunities encourage youth involvement in armed robbery. Substance abuse and peer influence also emerged strongly: 66% reported that substance abuse contributes greatly or very greatly to armed robbery, while 95% agreed or strongly agreed that peer pressure encourages youth involvement. Regarding policing, 41.6% had never heard of the Local Needs Policing framework, while corruption within the police force was identified by 33.3% as the leading obstacle to effective policing. Armed robbery also had important social and economic consequences: 85% agreed or strongly agreed that it negatively affects business activity, while fear and anxiety emerged as the most commonly reported psychological effect. The study concludes that armed robbery in Kenema Municipality cannot be explained by a single factor. Rather, it reflects the interaction of economic deprivation, substance abuse, peer influence, weaknesses in family supervision and limitations in community-security relations. The study recommends expanded youth employment and skills programmes, substance-abuse prevention and rehabilitation, strengthened police accountability and community policing, and properly regulated neighbourhood-watch initiatives.

Keywords: Armed robbery; unemployment; substance abuse; peer influence; policing; community security; Kenema Municipality; Sierra Leone

REFERENCES

  1. Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47–88. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.1992.tb01093.x
  2. Bolger, P. C., & Walters, G. D. (2019). The relationship between police procedural justice, police legitimacy, and people’s willingness to cooperate with law enforcement: A meta-analysis. Journal of Criminal Justice, 60, 93–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2019.01.001
  3. Braga, A. A., Turchan, B., Papachristos, A. V., & Hureau, D. M. (2019). Hot spots policing of small geographic areas effects on crime. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 15(3), e1046. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1046
  4. Cohen, L. E., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity approach. American Sociological Review, 44(4), 588–608. https://doi.org/10.2307/2094589
  5. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  6. Hoeve, M., Dubas, J. S., Eichelsheim, V. I., van der Laan, P. H., Smeenk, W., & Gerris, J. R. M. (2009). The relationship between parenting and delinquency: A meta-analysis. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 37(6), 749–775. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-009-9310-8
  7. Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672–682.
  8. Tyler, T. R. (2006). Why people obey the law. Princeton University Press.