ABSTRACT
The extent of crime in post-Communist societies is the subject of some debate. In general it seems that levels of recorded crime have escalated but it is arguable that at least some of the increase is due to changes in reporting and recording practices. Victim survey data moreover suggests that there are marked differences in crime rates, both between post-Communist societies and for different offences. What is clear, though, is that public concern about crime is evident throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the public sees crime as a major problem. This raises a number of questions about crime control. Principally, how feasible is it to move towards more liberal policies when public concern is so great?
