It has long been noted that in a recession, certain categories of crime may rise. With the economy in rough shape, criminals are getting more desperate in their attempts to steal. When people lose everything, and their very survival is at risk, they may be tempted to break the law. In today s economy, in which millions of people have lost their jobs, their homes, or both, crime is expected to rise over the immediate future.
With round upon round of layoffs, more and more people are out of work. As their unemployment benefits dry up, they become less able to feed themselves and their family. As a result, they may be tempted towards property crime. Your new TV may be pawned for someone else s groceries. It is an unfortunate truth that when on the brink of despair, some will be lured towards theft as income during times of economic stress.
As the recession grows longer, those who have been out of jobs begin to lose hope. Why is hope so important to the crime rate? When people have hope for a brighter future, they hold on to their morals and values more tenaciously. During short term recessions, it is easier to hold on to hope, continuing to seek assistance through legal channels rather than turning to criminal options.
When all hope is lost, people must get creative, finding new ways to earn money. Those that have nothing left to lose have little reason not to turn to property crime to pay the bills. Crime becomes justified as a means of survival. Those perpetuating such crimes may also be jealous of those who have more food, more clothes, more money, and the means to survive. Others justify committing such crimes by thinking of it as a noble cause, putting food on the table through any means necessary. Such actions may also be committed because they provide a sense of control over one s circumstances, and a false sense of the stability once provided by a job. As a means to generate money, committing crimes may also result in decreased feelings of helplessness.
Once this behavior becomes justified, it becomes easier and easier to commit crimes. Psychologists have found that those who begin with petty property crimes are at a greater risk of progressing into larger crimes. If the economy remains in a recession or continues to worsen, the crime rate is expected to get worse as well. Crimes may escalate in value, frequency, and the level of violence used.
How can such results of a recession be reduced? Studies have shown that when people have the resources to provide for their needs, they are less likely to turn to crime as a way to provide for their families or as a way to control their situation. One can only hope that such support systems will do enough head off any increase in the crime rate resulting from the economy.
Particularly if the economy continues to worsen, you must prepare your family to deal with the resulting increase in crimes, including violent crimes and property crimes. Be observant of what s going on around you. Remember that nothing you own is worth more than your life. Anything that is stolen from you can be replaced, and you should never physically confront someone who is in the process of stealing. Simple security devices, including security cameras and signage on the exterior home, will serve to turn away opportunistic criminals, particularly inexperienced thieves in search of an easy target. While you may be cutting back on your household budget, one area that you shouldn t cut back on is home security.
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