Understanding Crime: 10 Reasons Why People Commit Crimes
Thunder Bay – NEWS – Despite government efforts to enhance safety, crime rates continue to rise. This phenomenon is driven by a mix of socioeconomic factors and individual circumstances. This article explores ten common reasons why people commit crimes, shedding light on the underlying causes.
1. Poverty
Economic deprivation remains a major driver of crime. Statistics Canada reveals that economic hardship significantly correlates with higher crime rates. Globally, over 1 billion children live in poverty, and economic struggles often push individuals towards criminal activities out of desperation.
2. Peer Pressure
Peer influence plays a critical role, especially among young people. High school and college students may succumb to criminal behaviors like drug use due to the pressure to conform. This vulnerability is heightened by a lack of experience and wisdom.
3. Drugs
Substance abuse is a significant factor in criminal behavior. Addicts often engage in illegal activities to support their habits. In Canada, drug-related crimes have been a persistent issue, highlighting the need for effective rehabilitation programs. Police officers in off the record comments often find that since the legalisation of cannabis, that the incidence of harder drugs has increased. In communities like Thunder Bay, where cocaine has, sadly, always been a drug of choice, the impact of the opioid crisis remains a major factor. Toronto and Ottawa area gangs have seen the increased profit potential in Northwestern and Northern Ontario and are actively working to fill the demand. Drug overdoses have become all too frequent. Deaths from overdoses rarely make the news.
4. Gangs and Guns
With the increased drug trafficking, gangs with drugs selling and guns have become increasingly common. Shootings have increased and many residents have reported hearing gunshots. The government has moved to put increased restrictions on firearms, however the only ones who obey the law are not outlaws and criminals, so those restrictions appear to be having the opposite effect from what was intended. This is more a political issue than a crime issue however politics often impacts crime.
5. Homelessness
Across North America and Canada over the past couple of years, tent encampments have formed in most cities and towns. It is a summer solution to homelessness. It is also potentially a number of mini-crime hotspots. The people in the encampments, and some of them are fairly organised, have their own social structure. Some area residents and businesses have noted increased property crime in some cases. The solution is an affordable housing alternative, which seems to be very slow in coming at the federal level.
6. Family Conditions
Family dynamics significantly impact criminal behavior. Financial pressure and familial obligations can push individuals towards illegal activities. Many young offenders cite the need to support their families as a justification for their actions.
7. Society
Societal values and norms influence crime rates. Materialism and societal pressure to succeed can drive individuals to commit crimes. This is particularly evident in environments where wealth is flaunted and poverty is stigmatized.
At the federal level in Canada the Conservative Party are blaming the Liberal government for what they are calling a “Catch and Release” policy when it comes to allowing dangerous repeat offenders to be bailed out of jail. If one were to watch the Zoom feed from the Thunder Bay District Court, the number of people who are before a judge or justice of the peace in bail court who have breached previous court imposed conditions is very frequent.
Zoom Details for Thunder Bay Superior Court of Justice
Thunder Bay Court, 125 Brodie St N, room 105 direct login with Meeting ID and passcode included:
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61562719216?pwd=T1ZYYm5xWFNDOFJoZW1kNGZTeDJDUT09
Telephone dial-in: 1-855-703-8985 (toll free)
Meeting ID: 615 6271 9216
Passcode: 042968
The delays in justice are massive right now. Court trials are taking years, hearings seem especially post COVID/Pandemic to be backed up and remote hearings are increasingly the normal process. Lawyers don’t want to rock the boat too much. The result is many trials are exceeding the standard set by the Supreme Court of Canada in R v Jordan where a timeline of 180 days was set. Some cases reported to NNL have been taking over 300 to 400 days from charge to trial. Those cases should be dismissed under the R v Jordan ruling, but are apparently not being dismissed.
8. Unemployment
Unemployment is a critical factor contributing to crime. The frustration and hopelessness stemming from joblessness can lead individuals to criminal activities. Statistics Canada reports that higher unemployment rates often correlate with increased crime rates.
9. Deprivation
Economic and social deprivation fosters criminal behavior. In areas where basic needs are unmet, individuals may resort to crime to voice their dissatisfaction and demand attention from authorities.
10. Overcrowded Jails
When a person is imprisoned, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that that inmate is housed, clothed, fed and cared for. In many of Canada’s aging jails, overcrowding is the one constant. There are up to four inmates in cells that are meant for two persons. There are inmates in the Thunder Bay District Jail who are dangerous criminals and somehow they seem more in charge at time than the guards.
The reach of gangs into jails is a factor, and the staff at jails can often feel that their families can be targeted in violence.
The reports of sexual assaults, beatings, and attacks on inmates is happening on a far too regular basis.
A new correctional facility in Thunder Bay is being touted as the solution, however there are already apparent construction problems plaguing the site and reports that the wrong materials for some parts of the facility have been used.
Crime Statistics from Statistics Canada: A Closer Look
The latest crime statistics from Statistics Canada reveal significant insights into the current state of crime across the country. These statistics are crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of criminal activity and for formulating effective policies to address these issues. This article delves into the key findings from the recent report, highlighting trends, regional variations, and the implications for communities.
Overview of National Crime Rates
According to the 2023 report from Statistics Canada, the national crime rate has seen a slight increase compared to previous years. The Crime Severity Index (CSI), which measures the volume and severity of police-reported crime, rose by 3% in 2023. This marks the second consecutive year of increase after a period of decline.
Violent Crime
Violent crime rates have shown a notable uptick. The rate of violent crimes, including assault, robbery, and sexual offenses, increased by 5% in 2023. This rise is particularly concerning given the severity of these offenses. The homicide rate, however, remained stable, with a marginal increase of 1%.
Property Crime
Property crime, which includes offenses like burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, also saw an increase. The property crime rate went up by 2%, driven mainly by a surge in theft under $5,000. This category continues to be the most prevalent type of property crime reported.
Drug-Related Offenses
Drug-related offenses have seen a significant shift. While the overall rate of drug offenses decreased by 4%, there has been an increase in offenses related to harder substances like opioids and methamphetamines. This change reflects the growing opioid crisis affecting many parts of Canada.
Cybercrime
Cybercrime continues to be a growing concern, with a 7% increase in reported cases. Fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying are the most common types of cybercrimes. The increase highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public awareness.
Regional Variations
Crime rates vary significantly across different regions of Canada. The western provinces, particularly British Columbia and Alberta, reported higher crime rates compared to the national average. In contrast, the Atlantic provinces generally reported lower crime rates. Ontario and Quebec showed mixed results, with certain urban areas experiencing higher crime rates.
Implications for Thunder Bay
For Thunder Bay, the latest statistics are particularly relevant. The city has historically struggled with higher-than-average crime rates. The report indicates that Thunder Bay continues to face challenges, particularly with violent crime and drug-related offenses. However, there are also signs of progress, with a slight decrease in property crime rates.
