Effects of Crimes on the Local Community and Government

An increase in criminal activities affects the nation’s economy because they incur extra costs during investigation and imprisonment. Serious offenses take time to investigate and require more financial resources to complete a case. In England, the average cost of investigating a severe criminal activity range from € 550 to €600 (Heeks, 2018), leading to economic inflation. Crimes in socially excluded populations expose marginalized groups to a vicious circle of poverty, community disintegration, and social instability. For instance, children with criminal parents are more susceptible to delinquency through imitation and character development (Cunneen, 2020). Consequently, convicting parents and elders of crime increases children’s chances of criminal activities due to a lack of moral guidance. Ethical and societal degradation leads to more crimes, high illiteracy rates, and poor health and general wellbeing. The best way for the government to reduce crime will involve more social inclusion and equal distribution of economic resources, employment opportunities, and social amenities.

Conclusion

Criminal activities are prominent in socially secluded and economically marginalized areas due to factors that limit access to essential services and resources. Economic factors that influence crime include the spatial distribution of resources and spatial advantage in marginal areas. Inadequate employment opportunities and poverty lead to motivation for crimes to gain resources and basic needs. Marginalized groups commit crimes to sustain their families and have a livelihood. Social exclusion factors include a high drug and substance abuse risk influencing crimes. Structural disorder and collective efficacy are also social factors that play a significant role in crimes due to a lack of social control and allegiance to the community. Investigating crimes is costly, and increasing criminal activity may lead to economic inflation. Consequently, crimes cause illiteracy, poverty, and a cycle of criminal activities in a particular place, limiting growth and development. Creating more employment opportunities can reduce criminal activities in marginalized communities because they will have an income and stay occupied at work. Finally, practicing social inclusion and a fair distribution of resources to all communities can help prevent crime and its associated effects.

Reference List

Boyd, J., Richardson, L., Anderson, S., Kerr, T., Small, W. and McNeil, R. (2018) ‘Transitions in income generation among marginalized people who use drugs: A qualitative study on recycling and vulnerability to violence, International Journal of Drug Policy, 59, pp.36-43. Web.