Crime - What it is, how it influences us and how to stay safe - Information for Gr 7-8 Social Studies

It does not matter in which country you live or go to visit, there will almost always be crime.  Where there are people there will be crime.  

Some places will just have a higher rate of crime where some places will only have 'petty crime'.

• What is the meaning of 'petty crime'?

The area or the 'location' of an area is important, because the bigger the population of an area is, the bigger the chances are of a crime taking place.  If it is a small area and the people know one another, it is easier to spot an 'outsider' than in a highly populated area.

• Can you name 3 areas in your community where you live that is highly populated?

A criminal will choose a place where there is a lot of opportunity for them to commit a crime, where there is a place to hide or an easy escape route.

There are people who studies areas and the possibility of crimes, which means they will study certain areas to determine where the 'hotspots' are that is an easy target for criminals.  They will then set up a certain profile where they will write up all their findings and reasons (If you think you would find this interesting to follow as a career, you can read more on https://crimemapping.info/article/use-geographic-profiling-crime-analysis/)

There are different reasons why people will commit crime and they can range from poverty, 'getting a kick out of it', being unemployed, abuse of drugs all the way to hate and it can even be like an 'illness' that makes you not think straight or about the consequences that you will have to face if you get caught.

What areas are at risk and how does it affect the people or the area?

If a person plans on committing a crime they want to choose a place where they will not be easily caught which mean they will look at places where they can escape quickly without being detected and also areas where there are many opportunities like for instance at a holiday resort where people are relaxed and not alert to look after their possessions.

Crime has an affect on the people and the area.  

People can get hurt and when the word spreads that a specific area is targeted by crime, the people would not want to live there and the prices of the houses will fall.  

Certain shops will only keep the basics and not expensive or exclusive goods because they do not want to be a target for thieves.  

If an area has a high crime rate, your insurance cost will also go up and people will be afraid to go out at night.

Businesses around you, like the convenient store or the garage will close down because of not being save or they have already experienced a lot of crime and that will mean you will have to travel further for shopping etc.

Crime does not only happen in your area

Because of the internet and 'globalisation' it has become not only easier, but there are so many new situations in which people can commit a crime.  

Illegal trading of drugs and humans and animals are taking place, people falsify documents and steal identities with the help of the internet.

It is very important that if you use the internet for social activities, games or transactions, that you keep your personal detail and passwords safe.  

• For fun watch the video that teaches you more about this

Now matter where we live, what our believes or culture or colour is, we can become a victim of crime.  This does not mean you must lock yourself up in your room, but it does mean that you need to be awake and vigilant.  Watch out for yourself, your friends and your possessions.  

Do not let your cellphone lie around in the open or walk around with it in your hand.

Lock your doors at night and also your gates.

• Think of a few more ways in which you can protect yourself and your possessions.

There are a few ways in which you can keep yourself safe from crime.   Read more on https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Becoming-a-Victim-of-Crime