Linking gun ownership to crime victimization.
Billings, Stephen B. Smoking gun? Linking gun ownership to crime victimization. Journal of Public Economics. Jun2023, Vol. 222, pN.PAG-N.PAG.ÌýÌýÌýÌý
Using individual data, I show that prior crime victimization increases the demand for concealed handgun permits (CHPs). • Getting a new CHP increases the probability of crime victimization by 46% with a 286% increase in having a firearm stolen. • New CHPs impact the broader neighborhood with a 2% increase in total crime and a 8% increase in violent crimes using a gun. • Results suggest a mechanism of stolen guns being transferred to criminals who are using guns to commit violent crimes. • Stricter gun storage policies may have additional benefits in terms of crime reduction. Using linked individual data on concealed handgun permits (CHP), reported crimes and arrests, I examine the dynamics of gun-ownership and criminal victimization. I initially show that being male, Republican, older, born in-state and a recent crime victim increases the probability that an adult obtains a CHP. Having a CHP increases property crime victimization by 46% with the largest impact on having a firearm stolen. Individual CHP holders see no change in violent crime victimization thus dispelling any benefits in terms of protection. Obtaining a CHP has a small (2%) increase in total crime and a larger increase on violent crime using a gun (8%) within the CHP holders neighborhood. Results suggest stolen guns spillover to neighborhood crime which is an important component of the larger social costs of gun ownership.ÌýÌýÌýÌý
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