Reasons for crime

Types of crime

There are three key types of crimes:

1. Crimes against the person – offences causing direct harm to a person, for example, murder, rape, GBH and hate crimes.
2. Crimes against property – offences that damage or deprive people of their property, for example, arson, burglary, trespassing.
3. Crimes against the State – offences that potentially endanger everyone or affect the smooth running of society, for example, terrorism, selling state secrets, perjury.

Upbringing

This might include the environment a person is brought up in, the morals of the family/friends/neighbourhood, whether a person is surrounded by crimes or criminal activity and the social and financial status of the family.

Mental illness

The state of mind of a person may lead them into crime. They might have serious psychological issues with no understanding of right or wrong; might feel no guilt or compassion for others; might enjoy hurting others; might have educational learning issues and be easily led into crime; or are themselves victims of some event which has disturbed their minds, for example, depression or an abusive upbringing.

Addiction

A person may have an addiction, for example, to alcohol, drugs, sex or money which leads them into crime to feed their habit or their cravings. They may even be addicted to crime, for example, stealing.

Poverty

A person might commit a crime because they see no other alternative way to survive. They may have no money, no job or cannot provide for themselves or their children.

Greed/hate

Emotions are often responsible for crime, our reaction to what goes on around us or what others have or do to us. We always want more so inherently we are greedy. People do bad things to us so hate leads us to take revenge and commit crimes.

Opposition to existing laws