Desperate Times Make Desperate People

When economic times get tough the crime rate rises. It is often the case that desperate people do desperate things. Someone who has lost their job and is having difficulty putting food on the table for their family may resort to shoplifting or commit a crime of opportunity. These are not bad people they are desperate people who see no other way out.

Often we raise our voices in anger when we hear that someone who has broken into a shop and stolen goods is let off with a warning because we believe the justice system is far too lenient. Perhaps in some cases it is but for those who are desperate and see no other solution than to steal then perhaps it needs to be lenient.

When times are good and there is a high employment rate these crimes of opportunity are not so prevalent. During the good times charities are able to cope with helping the people in need. When the is a high rate of unemployment there are too many people in need for charities to be able to service them all and so many fall through the cracks and turn to crime to provide the necessities of life. Is putting them in jail really the answer?

Australia was built by the convicts who were often sent here for stealing a loaf of bread when they were starving. Do we want to return to those times of brutal intolerance? I would hope not.

If we all try to help someone who is worse off then ourselves then perhaps we can get many of these people through the hard times without them ending up with a criminal record. One thing we can all do is try to ensure that we do not become the victims of crimes of convenience. Lock your doors, safeguard you purse when you are shopping and do not put temptation in any one's way.

Hard times are here but if we all pull together and help each other we will all get through it and be able to enjoy the good times when they come.

If you would like to find out more about protecting yourself against crimes of opportunity then visit Jefferson County Sheriff Office site and don't become a victim. You can also get more information at Citizens Agianst Crime and at BNet.