The cost of living crisis is dominating the headlines and causing concern across the country. Prices everywhere seem to have shot up. Interest rates are following the same trend and things look set to continue in this vain. It is a worry for everyone.
To add to this, there is a lot of talk about crime levels getting in on this latest trend and rising along with the everything else. So why are people suggesting that crime will go up? How does the cost of living crisis affect crime?
“the cost of living crisis will result in a crime spike.”
Tom McNeil, who is the West Midlands Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner
How does the cost of living affect crime?
The spiralling cost of living drives people to desperation. In some cases, people will steal high value goods in order to make a profit.
Scarcity drives demand and cost up so it’s unsurprising that we are hearing of theft of Yorkshire stone, certain vehicle types and catalytic converters.
I think whenever you see an increase in the cost of living or whenever you see more people dropping into poverty, I think you’ll invariably see a rise in crime,
A Cooke, Chief Inspector of the Constabulary
So far this year, increases in fuel theft and shoplifting have been reported, and many people are concerned that this will continue. One report found that 89% of respondents believe the increase in the cost of living will drive crime rates higher still.
This concern has been backed up by those in the know about crime. Several high ranking police officers have taken to the press to dish out warnings about the impending increase in crime. Three PCCs have spoken out including Humberside PCC Evison, who has warned that some types of crime could rise as the rising cost of living leads to desperation. His colleague West Midlands PCC Foster claimed crime might be an attractive and viable option for some and Suffolk PCC Passmore said “there is a link between higher levels of deprivation and hardship and increased incidences of crime”.
Food insecurity and crime
The Rural crime report suggested that rustling is on the increase as organised criminals look to make a profit – even stealing farm animals as the cost of food increases. The BBC reported that famers were resorting to painting their sheep’s horns in an attempt to thwart criminals. They suggested that increasing food prices might make farm animal thefts even more common.
London’s Mayor has also made comment on this. “Relationships between food insecurity and crime are also key, with seven of the boroughs with the largest increase in demand for food parcels also in the top 10 for serious violence.”
One less Worry
We are seeing an increasing number of people concerned about the security of their home and business and seeking extra protections. Your peace of mind is what we’re all about, and effective security solutions are our speciality. Monitored alarms, perimeter security systems, intelligent cctv cameras and access control systems can protect your property. You can find out more about how to boost your security with a free survey appointment.
We understand the cost of living pulls on priorities and to help our customers as much as we can, we offer monthly budgeting to ensure cover can be maintained during this difficult times. Our cover ensures that customers get the help they need when they need it. It keeps systems working as they should and gives our customers one less thing to worry about.
To get a quote for a new system or for Keybury maintenance cover, which is available even if we didn’t originally install your system, call 01535 661197.