Tough economy may mean higher crime rate
NOVEMBER 4, 2008 – Police say they are dealing with a rise in property crimes for the first time in years. And the economy is one reason why. Experts say that times of financial stress can make criminals out of people who wouldn’t otherwise be committing crimes.
Crime, particularly property crimes, generally rise during times of economic slowdowns. Now some troubling statistics say the numbers of property crimes such as burglaries, and auto thefts are rising in Florida after begin on the decline since 1992. Overall property crimes are up 2.3 percent statewide for the first six months of 2008 compared to the same period last year.
The number of reported incidents began going up in 2007, and the trend continued through the first half of 2008, according to the latest figures. The criminal results of the most recent economic glitches such as the recent bank collapses and higher prices won’t be seen until full 2008 crime data is released next year.
One type of crime in particular that is becoming more common as times get tougher is the theft of copper and other metals from homes, businesses and construction sites.
Law enforcement agencies are also seeing a lot more cases of shoplifting and thefts. Purse-snatchings are up almost 24 percent this year in Florida, pocket-pickings are up about 18 percent, and shoplifting is up 15.5 percent.
courtesy of http://www.northfloridanewsdaily.com/
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