Crime and Recession: More Clues

David B. Muhlhausen / September 21, 2009

Violent crime fell in America last year, the first full year of the recession, according to new data from the FBI. Auto theft and other property crime also was down despite the recession, although burglary was up.

In general, the social science literature has indicated a correlation between unemployment rates and property crime rates. Violent crimes, though, appear to be unaffected by joblessness rates. Although there appears to be an association between property crime and unemployment, the fact remains that the decision to commit a crime is a choice.

For most of us, the loss of a job will not provoke us to steal from our neighbors. (more…)