Everyone knows that where there is a cause there is also an effect. The fragile state of the American economy including a major rise in unemployment is and has been, a cause for concern for quite a few years. The question that has recently been studied by economists and those interested in crime patterns is this: Does a shaky economy with a rather grim forecast produce an increase in crime rates?
What Hollywood Says
If we were to believe the funny but also somewhat sad movie “Dick and Jane,” where Dick Harper’s company goes belly up, and he and his now unemployed wife take to robbing people to stay afloat, we would believe that poor economic conditions ultimately lead to an increase in criminal activity. However, that is Hollywood where social conditions are zealously dramatized for the sake of ratings.
What Researchers Say
According to the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, an increase in unemployment in early 2000 paralleled a decline, rather than an increase, in crime. However, the report also states that this decline in crime came at a time when police officers were making more and more arrests for petty crime in an effort to make their presence known.
Bruce Weinberg, an associate professor of economic at Ohio State University, Eric Gould of Hebrew University and David Mustard of University of Georgia teamed up to study the relevancy of poor economic trends and criminal activity. The study examined national crimes rates between 1979 and 1997. The results indicate that an increase in criminal activity during that time was closely linked to low wages and high rates of unemployment amongst men without a college education. The strongest link was between falling wages and property crimes such as burglary.
Homeowners React
Although national property crime and robbery have been declining since 2008, homeowners are not taking any chances. In an effort to safeguard their homes, provide a sense of security and some peace of mind, homeowners continue to purchase home security systems for their primary and vacation residences. Security systems vary in price and features but are considered a cost effective way to safeguard their property and family. I asked a few people in my neighborhood why they purchased a security system and here are some of their answers:
John: “I had heard that there was a break in a few block away, and someone stole a lot of electronics. I was not taking any chances because I have a great deal of money invested in photography equipment in my basement studio. I immediately purchased a security system and use it routinely when I leave home and at night. I feel safe and consider it a worthwhile investment.”
Mary: “My husband travel and I have small children. Although we do not have a lot of valuables, I want to be sure that we are protected at all times. Having a security monitoring system in my home helps me sleep better knowing my family is protected.”
Dennis: “I am a retired police officer and I know the value in security systems. They work. They deter criminals and protect property effectively. I would not live without one in this day and age.”
While researchers continue to study criminal activity and its relationship to the economy, home security system sales are going strong. Many new construction homes, in fact, automatically install a system and give new owners the opportunity to purchase monitoring plans for optimal home protection. After all, there is nothing more important than protecting the ones you love and the property that you own.
Resources:
The New York Times. “Study Says a Slumping Economy Doesn’t Mean
Crime Will Rise.” December 19, 2001. Kevin Flynn (http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/_nyt-study_says.htm)
