Understanding Recidivism in Theft Cases: Community Perception of Demographic Factors and Social Support in Angeles City

Recidivism remains a pressing global issue within the criminal justice system, with theft ranking as one of the most prevalent property crimes, presenting unique challenges in understanding re-offending behaviors. This study investigates the factors influencing recidivism in theft cases within Angeles City, Pampanga, focusing on demographic characteristics, systemic barriers, and post-release interventions. Employing a descriptive quantitative design, structured surveys were conducted with 115 respondents selected through convenience sampling, guided by GPower parameters (alpha = 0.05, power = 0.95, effect size = 0.3). Results identify substance abuse, unemployment, and systemic distrust as significant contributors, alongside demographic influences such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in Social Control and Labeling Theories, the study underscores the importance of social support and community supervision in mitigating recidivism. Key findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, including addiction treatment, job training, and police reforms, to improve reintegration efforts.