Introduction
Crime affects us all. We all carry keys, right? When was the last time you locked your home or car? Or used passwords to access your devices to stop people from hacking into your accounts? It's because of criminals and thieves we have to keep an eye (lock and key) on every personal possession we own — our homes, businesses, phones, computer devices and cars, etc.
Sadly, there is a thriving criminal enterprise, and the innocent continue to suffer. From sly shoplifters and pickpockets to burglars, scammers, murderers, and terrorists. How can we end these criminal activities once and for all?
How Crime Affects Us - Everyday
There are thousands of ways that criminals can take control of our property. And being scammed, robbed, or subjected to violence can be devastating, with long-lasting psychological damage and trauma.
However, criminals and thieves are not always strangers; they can be your friends, family, cleaner, carer, nanny, or local workmen (and women) who steal your possessions. Some are cunning, stealing small amounts of money from your wallets and purses for years, just enough that you wouldn't notice. These greedy and heartless thieves will even go so far as to steal from children's piggy banks.
Hard-working shopkeepers who work tirelessly to build their businesses can have their livelihoods destroyed by thoughtless criminals who lack ethical principles, respect, or a moral compass.
Some shop workers are not trustworthy. They will deliberately overcharge or short-change you with each transaction. Both shop employees and thieves will steal stock from retail shops, leading to business bankruptcy which drives up prices and inflates insurance premiums, due to the costs of theft and fraudulent claims.
Greed is one of the oldest human defects. Even successful business people worth millions resort to white-collar crime (fraud) to steal more money.
Let us not forget the unscrupulous individuals who sell counterfeit and potentially hazardous products, disregarding the impact on our health and safety to satisfy their insatiable greed. There are also online fraudsters who profit from items purchased from fake websites that have no merchandise.
Do not overlook identity fraudsters who are not satisfied with stealing your property. They will steal your identity to access your banking or online accounts. Or to obtain credit and benefits, all driven by greed.
Then there are internet and telephone scammers who create false profiles on social networking and dating sites/apps, posing as individuals more interested in finance than romance. While you seek love or companionship, they seek to steal your money. Sadly, even passwords, antivirus software, spyware, and firewalls cannot protect everyone, particularly those who are vulnerable, naive, gullible, or trustworthy and fall prey to these scammers.
Many shoplifters and robbers have resorted to "ram-raiding" by crashing stolen vehicles through shop windows, all without any concern for the safety of those inside the store. Similarly, criminals who use explosives to blow up cash machines (ATMs) do so without regard for the welfare of those in the surrounding area.
Merciless burglars will break into homes, garages, caravans, and even churches to steal anything they can get their hands on. If they can't break in, they will steal the lead from your roof or even your garden gnomes and even our beloved pets. These scoundrels ruin people's lives every moment of every day.
If possible, they would steal your soul to fuel their extravagant lifestyle or support their drug habit. Some thieves, drug dealers, and other criminals are forced into a life of crime by gangs that exploit the vulnerable.
Not all criminals choose their path. Some, particularly those in vulnerable situations, are drawn into crime by exploitative groups like gangs.
Some thiefs, like kleptomaniacs, cannot help stealing, while others, like those with a tendency for violence, enjoy fighting. Similarly, arsonists love to set things on fire. There is no stopping them until they are either locked up or choose to stop committing crimes. Unfortunately, even prison does not deter their criminal behaviour, as prisoners are known to steal, rob, and even commit murder within the confines of the prison.
Let us not forget the depraved individuals who engage in the sexual or physical abuse of others for their sick pleasure. And the brutes who use violence to attack innocent people, either due to drunkenness or a perceived slight.
The most heinous criminals are murderers who believe they have the authority to take someone's life by taking the law into their own hands to enact revenge. Or those who kill for trivial reasons, such as a material object like a gold watch, or simply due to a perceived disrespect. It is a sad reflection of humanity that some people have sunk to such depths.
These individuals and criminal gangs make it challenging for us to feel secure when going out in certain areas, as we fear the possibility of being subjected to violent crimes like robbery, assault, stabbing, or even gun violence, or having hazardous substances like acid thrown at us.
Criminals come in every shape and form. They are of every colour. Young, old, male, female, rich and poor.
Terrorists: The world's worst criminals
These individuals are the epitome of evil. Their aim is not to steal possessions or wealth. But to take lives due to religious beliefs.
The fear of a possible terrorist attack or becoming a victim of crime can lead to stress-related illnesses and compromise our quality of life.
Due to terrorism, there are limitations on what items we are allowed on aeroplanes. We face intrusive searches each time we fly or visit certain public establishments. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reason with terrorists who suffer from mental health issues or have been radicalised or indoctrinated. It is imperative to stay alert and stay safe.
How the terror attack changed the world and counter-terrorism strategies
If there was no crime: What would happen to...
- The millions of prisoners currently imprisoned across the thousands of prisons and institutions worldwide raise questions about what would happen if there were no crimes.
- Would the hundreds of thousands of prison and security guards, as well as the staff who work in these facilities, be able to find alternative employment? Moreover, what would become of the manufacturers and businesses that produce concrete, iron, steel, locks, alarms, and CCTV systems for security purposes?
- Would their industries suffer if there were no more crime? It is impossible to fully comprehend the impact a world without crime would have on employment figures and the economy.
What is the answer? Is it possible to live in a world without crime?
- Why does humanity persist in being so unkind, despite centuries of crime and war? The simple answer is greed and evil.
- When did humans first become capable of experiencing guilt and differentiating right from wrong?
- Who is to blame for the prevalence of criminal behaviour today? Is it the lack of discipline among parents, or should teachers, politicians, and law enforcement be more proactive?
- Does the glamorisation and glorification of criminals in movies and music fuel crime, or does the violence in video games play a role?
- Could smarter CCTV technology be used to prevent crime before it occurs? Only time will tell.
- What is the solution to crime? Should sentences be harsher, or is it better to focus on education, economic fairness, and security measures?
- One day, it may be possible for scientists to identify the specific part of the brain responsible for criminal behaviour, and the legal system may consider removing it for repeat offenders. Is it ethical to rewire their DNA?
So many questions and not enough answers. I doubt anyone truly has them.
The Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Love?
Criminal Nature - The Animals
It's not just humans that are dishonest. The animal kingdom has many prolific thieves.
Kleptoparasitism; an animal that steals prey or other stored food that was caught or collected by another.
- Penguins who steal, may be fully aware they are doing something wrong.
- The great Frigate bird and Seagulls chase other sea-birds and steal their food.
- Squirrels are extremely skilful, they knowingly steal seeds and nuts from their squirrel neighbours.
- Some species of monkeys use human-like behaviour to steal anything and everything they can get their hands on.
Cheeky Penguins Stealing Stones
Imagine a world where everyone is a law-abiding citizen...
In a world free from theft, fraud, sexual and violent assaults, robbery, terrorism, and murder, the concept is indeed appealing. The need for establishments such as the police, army, air force, navy, and other organizations related to crime and war would be gone.
Security agencies like MI5, MI6, the CIA, and the FBI would no longer be required, nor would magistrates' courts, prisons, police stations, or security guards at airports and businesses.
John Lennon - Imagine
Imagine a world free from all forms of assault, whether physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional. Where our children can play safely, and the elderly and vulnerable no longer live in fear.
Picture a world where jealousy, envy, and greed are non-existent, and people work hard for a living without the temptation of wanting more and more through theft and robbery.
Imagine a world devoid of hate, where only kindness and love prevail – children are nurtured and protected, and nations peacefully coexist.
A world free of war and poverty, where the wickedness of cruelty does not exist. A world where victims and unnecessary deaths are non-existent.
While it is difficult to imagine a world without crime, if the majority of society can live honestly, why can't everyone? If it were possible, what a wonderful, beautiful, and richer world it would be.
Video: Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
In your opinion, will crime get better or worse?
- 40% It will get better
- 60% It will get worser
© 2012 Tony Sky
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