Why Should Recession Cause Crime to Increase?

Abstract

As this chapter was being drafted, there were ‘riots’ in Handsworth, Birmingham, and Brixton, London, leaving a smoky trail of smouldering property and ramshackle looted shops. The innercity face, already pock-marked by inadequate houses, crumbling schools, closed hospitals, unrepaired roads, boarded-up shops, dilapidated public services and graffiti-covered walls, was further scarred by the effects of robbery, burglary, arson and other serious crimes. But what has all this to do with the question, Why should recession cause crime to increase? If we listen to our astute politicians, the answer is simple — Nothing!