Why people commit crime

• Poverty

  • People might steal things such as food because they have no choice.
  • People who can‘t afford to feed their children are not going to be put off by hard punishments.
• Up bringing

  • Children who see their parents going in and out of prison might accept this as normal.
  • Some children may not be protected from exploitation by gangs or others who lead them into criminal behaviours.
• Mental Illness

  • Some people commit crimes because they are ill and either do not realise they are doing wrong or can’t stop themselves from doing it.
  • For example a person with anger management issues may know it is wrong to lash out but need help to stop themselves doing it.
• Addiction

  • Linked to mental illness addicts often need help.
  • They have little control over their actions as they may be driven by deep needs.
• Greed

  • Harsh sentences might putting people off stealing things they don’t need.
• Opposition to unjust laws

  • Some both religious and non religious people might break laws because they feel they are unfair.
• Reasons people commit crimes

  • Poverty
  • Upbringing
  • Mental illness
  • Addiction
  • Greed
  • Hate
  • Opposition to unjust laws