Purpose – The aim of the current study is to investigate criminal psycho-social cognition, criminal associates and personality traits as predictors of non-violent recidivism. Design/methodology/approach – The sample consisted of 179 male non-violent offenders. Each offender completed self-report measures assessing criminal attitudes, criminal associates, criminal social identity and Eysenck’s personality traits. Recidivism was assessed through self-reported frequency of imprisonment. A sequential moderated multiple regression analysis investigated the relationship between criminal thinking, criminal social identity and level of recidivism with the moderating role of personality. Findings – Results indicate that criminal thinking is moderated by personality in the prediction of recidivism such that respondents who score high on psychoticism and low on neuroticism and extraversion show a positive association between criminal think styles and recidivism. Research limitations/implications – It is suggested that future research and risk assessment instruments consider the interaction between risk factors in the prediction of recidivism, rather than investigating the factors independently. Originality/value – This study is a valuable contribution as it investigates non-violent recidivism specifically, and informs on the moderating influence of personality in the prediction of this behaviour.