Is Petty Crime on the Rise? Statistics from Arounds the U.S.
While it’s true some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates than others, one thing is undeniably real, petty crime has been on the rise within the last few years. According to the Pew Research center, violent crime has fallen sharply within the past quarter century. So, while the chances aren’t high you’ll be mugged at gunpoint, less obvious crime, digital theft, and other petty crimes are on the rise. People today are undertaking any necessary measure to protect their businesses and assets with new technology available. Here’s a look at what works best.
Installing Video Cameras
Some companies and homeowners are adopting the use of closed-circuit cameras to enhance security around their premises. Cameras are useful in picking up petty thefts, burglaries, and other crimes. The videos help to keep these offenders at bay as well, becoming more and more useful in prevention as well as after-the-fact evidence. In case of breakages, the videos are passed to the authorities for facial recognition and capturing criminals. In the case of petty crimes and theft, cameras are a number one deterrent.
Use of Reinforcements
Most homeowners opt to reinforce their doors and windows. The intent is to make it hard for anyone to break into the property and deter theft and burglaries. The fact that people are willing to spend a little more to enhance the security of their home and offices is an indication that all is not well. In many lower-income neighborhoods make use of these kinds of precautions, but are they necessary? With violent crime going down, there is more of a risk in digital break-ins through smarthome apps. ADT is the leading monitoring solution in Colorado and their technology is focused on preventing property crime rates that have been increasing as violent crime goes down.
Use of Street Cameras
Cameras are often placed at the entrance of streets, busy intersections, and some neighborhoods. The purpose is to capture the date, time, and registration details of any vehicle that enters and leaves when a crime occurs. This method has proved useful in thwarting many kinds of crimes.
The Early Disorder Diagnosis and Intervention Policy
Malcolm Gladwell argues that violent crimes can be avoided by reducing low crime activities like graffiti and littering. Malcolm used the zero tolerance by New York police in the 90’s. He summarizes his observation as Broken Windows theory.
In theory, altering the social norm of an area leads to erosion of the area social norm. Put simply, the tendency of people to disobey common rules like dropping litter has a significant impact on their ability to observe basic rules, at times increasing their propensity to steal. For instance, people are likely to drop litter where walls are covered with graffiti. And people are likely to steal a money envelope hanging from a mailbox if the area is dirty. Since as these social disorders are in place, the place is likely to suffer increased crime rates. The truth behind this theory is often debated, but when put into practice, has had some degree of success.
Crimes rates are definitely changing around the United States. While crime will probably never go away completely, knowing the best ways to combat and prevent types of crime is important for all Americans.
