Michael Howie
The Scotsman
November 19, 2008
Now that people increasingly feel they cannot afford that new HD TV or hi-fi, will they be more likely to steal it?
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
That is the question senior police officers are asking themselves as the economic downturn starts to bite in Scotland.
After several years of declining crime rates, there are some indications the tide may be turning as recession triggers an increase in shoplifting, housebreaking, fraud and other “dishonesty” offences.
Last week, a report from Lothian and Borders Police showed a 9 per cent increase in crimes of dishonesty, year on year, for the three months ending 30 September.
Tom Halpin, the force’s acting chief constable, said he was “very alert to the possibility that the current financial climate could have had an effect on the level of crime”.
A 9 per cent increase means more than 1,500 more crimes were committed in the force area in one quarter.
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