The Impact of COVID-19 on Crime Patterns and Rational Choice Theory
QUESTION
People’s daily routines have dramatically changed during COVID-19. What impact do you think these changes in routine might have on crime?
Imagine you are a burglar and are scoping out properties to break into. According to rational choice, what sort of things would you be looking out for that would help you succeed or increase your chances of getting caught?
Think about the suburb in which you live. What types of crime attractors, crime generators, or crime enablers might be present?
ANSWER
The Impact of COVID-19 on Crime Patterns and Rational Choice Theory
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented changes in people’s daily routines, impacting various aspects of society, including crime patterns. This essay explores the potential impact of these changes on crime, considers the rational choice theory from the perspective of a burglar, and examines the presence of crime attractors, generators, and enablers in a typical suburb.
Impact of COVID-19 on Crime Patterns: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily routines on a global scale, leading to several potential impacts on crime:
Changes in Routine Activities
Lockdowns and social distancing measures altered people’s daily routines, with many staying home more often. Reduced opportunities for outdoor activities and travel may have decreased certain types of crimes, such as burglaries and street robberies.
Economic Strain
The pandemic caused economic hardships for many individuals and businesses, potentially leading to an increase in property crimes, such as thefts and burglaries, as people sought ways to cope with financial stress.
Digital Crimes
With more people working and socializing online, there was a surge in cybercrimes, including phishing scams, identity theft, and online fraud, as criminals adapted to the changing environment.
Rational Choice Theory and the Burglar’s Perspective:
From the perspective of a burglar applying rational choice theory, several factors would be considered when scoping out properties:
Visibility
The burglar would assess the visibility of the property, preferring homes with limited visibility from the street or neighboring houses to reduce the risk of being seen.
Occupancy
Vacant homes or those with no signs of occupancy, such as piled-up mail or overgrown lawns, would be more attractive targets, as they suggest a lower risk of encountering residents.
Security Measures
The presence of security measures, such as alarms, surveillance cameras, and strong locks, would deter the burglar, making homes without these features more appealing.
Escape Routes
The burglar would consider escape routes, preferring properties with easily accessible exit paths to evade capture if detected.
Crime Attractors, Generators, and Enablers in Suburbs
In a typical suburb, various elements can serve as crime attractors, generators, or enablers
Attractors
Public spaces like parks, shopping centers, and entertainment venues may attract criminal activity due to the presence of potential victims and opportunities.
Generators
Factors like poverty, unemployment, and a lack of social services can generate crime by increasing desperation and criminal motivations within the community.
Enablers
Poorly lit streets, inadequate law enforcement, and limited community engagement can enable criminal behavior by reducing the perceived risks and increasing opportunities for crime.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily routines and had varying impacts on crime patterns. While certain crimes decreased due to reduced opportunities, others, like cybercrimes, saw an uptick. Rational choice theory provides insights into how a burglar might assess potential targets based on visibility, occupancy, security measures, and escape routes. In suburban areas, crime attractors, generators, and enablers can influence local crime rates. Understanding these dynamics is essential for law enforcement and communities to develop effective crime prevention strategies and maintain public safety.
