Internet Journal of Criminology © 2014 ISSN 2045 6743 (Online) www.internetjournalofcriminology.com 1 THE ‘FEAR OF CRIME-MEDIA FEEDBACK’ CYCLE By Jordan Cashmore 1 Abstract The fear of crime phenomenon is widely documented and studied in criminology; from the tools that formulate and amplify it to the effects it has on the individual. It is unusual, then, that prior to the last couple of years, few have commented on the positive effects of the fear of crime. More confounding still is the fact that, despite many studies being conducted on the effect of the media on fear of crime, scholars have thus far failed to acknowledge the media’s role in the possibly positive, crime reducing effects of the fear of crime. This paper attempts to make a small step in redeeming this failing in criminology, and proposes a ‘Fear of Crime- Media Feedback Model’, whereby the media influences levels of fear in its audience and affects their routine activity, thereby affecting their exposure to potentially victimising situations by encouraging avoidance behaviour; influencing people to remain in their home as opposed to venturing onto the streets. While the model is currently hypothetical, further research into its plausibility as a crime reducing tool is proposed, potentially providing a method of reducing victimisation risk in the public with use of crime media. Key words: Fear of crime • Mass media • Avoidance behaviour • Functional fear • Crime control 1 Affiliation at time of resource gathering: Nottingham Trent University. Email: jordan.cashmore1991@hotmail.co.uk