Crime

What is crime?

Crime is an offence punishable in law.

What are the effects of crime?

Offender: they go to prison; they lose their job; they struggle to get a job when they come out of prison; they are socially isolated (they lose family and friends); they go on benefits; their education suffers

Victim: they may be left disabled or needing hospital treatment; they lose confidence; they are afraid; they lose their job because of illness/disability

Wider effects: house prices fall in crime-ridden areas; insurance premiums increase in crime ridden areas; the NHS has to spend more money on treating victims; councils have to spend more money on CCTV, lighting etc; people are frightened of going out; shopkeepers are fearful and have to spen money on CCTV etc.

Why are some areas are more affected by crime than others?

There is more crime in:

• Areas of high population (towns and cities) because there is more opportunity and criminals are less likely to be noticed
• Public areas (like shopping centres) because there is more opportunity and criminals are less likely to be noticed
• …