This reference work explores the complex origins and effects of street crime, loosely defined as crimes that occur in public spaces, typically within urban and metropolitan areas. Street crimes generally fit into two main categories, crimes against property and crimes against people. Editor Jeffrey Ross (Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore), has compiled a single-volume of compelling essays, covering the history as well as types of street crime, theories and trends, prevention strategies, well-known cases, as well as information about the social factors associated with street crime.

In addition to the 175 A–Z entries written by contributing scholars, the encyclopedia features a chronology of street crime in the United States, 1630–present, a thematic subject guide, a glossary and index, and a resource guide listing books, journals, and websites. Entries cover various topics relating to street crime including history and popular culture, law enforcement and courts, nonviolent and violent crime, perpetrators and victims, gangs and organized crime, and criminology theory related to urban life. The entries are clear and well-written, each containing a concise conclusion, cross-references, and further readings. An excellent addition to the encyclopedia is the 30-page appendix, “Street Crime Trends in America’s 25 Largest Cities Over the Past 24 Years” based on FBI, Uniform Crime Reports, and National Archive of Criminal Justice Data.

This engaging encyclopedia should appeal to students of criminal justice/criminology, criminal justice practitioners, as well as to members of the general public with an interest in crime, criminal justice, and the sociology of street crime. It offers up-to-date, thought-provoking information on a popular topic with broad appeal.

When making purchase selections for a library, note that Sage offers numerous reference works with focused analysis of key criminal justice topics, such as the Complete Crime & Punishment Series (2011), the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime (2009), the Encyclopedia of Victimology and Crime Prevention (2010), and the Social History of Crime and Punishment in America: An Encyclopedia (2012), as well as other titles available in print or ebooks through Sage Knowledge online. In particular, the 5-volume Social History of Crime and Punishment in America: An Encyclopedia (2012) offers a broad exploration of the history and philosophy of crime, criminal justice, and punishment in America from colonial times through the present, including entries about the most dangerous cities in the U.S. with historical background.