by Contributing Author

The covid-19 pandemic has had a drastic effect on the world. It had far-reaching consequences, affecting every class. Even the world’s leading countries and superpowers have witnessed its detrimental implications. It started with a single case and gradually, within months, had crept over the horizon. Its pace and death mortality rate were unpredictable. In the history of humanity, it is the most lethal contagious disease, as 6,180,128 people have died due to covid-19.

It has spawned various changes and enormous detrimental consequences over the world. It severely impacted the health system. However, it does not restrict its influence to the health sector alone. Economic condition, productivity, education system, trading, etc., every department was impacted by Covid-19. Globally, people observed a lockdown that prevented them from going out unnecessarily. Every place was shut down, including schools, restaurants, cafeterias, universities, offices, etc. It seemed that the world was vacant. For the first time in its history, New York Time Square was empty.

The unemployment rate increased due to the closure of factories, industries, and offices. The production rate declined as all the trade routes with different countries were closed. Ultimately, there was no place to sell the commodities and other goods due to the global lockdown. As a result, many working places dismissed most of their employees. It gave rise to a worldwide increase in the crime rate.

Reasons for the rise in crime

From dog snatching to commercial theft, the pandemic has significantly increased the global crime rate. There are many primary reasons for the increase in the crime rate. The most notable is unemployment. The unemployment rate was increased due to the closure of offices, factories, and other working places. Consequently, such individuals opted for the pathway of crime to fulfill their needs.

Secondly, many people had mental and psychological issues due to Covid-19 stress and pressure. Consequently, there was a drastic increase in the sexual and domestic abuse rates. Everyone was feeling depressed and anxious due to the prevailing circumstances. Their financial condition, the family’s burden, and psychological condition make that person vulnerable to committing a crime. In addition to rising crime, many cities have seen a shortage of law enforcement professionals and many cities need extra support. There is a demand people with criminal justice degrees including those with online criminal justice bachelor’s degrees.

How have different crime rates experienced a change over lockdown?

Different crimes have different crime rates and histories throughout lockdown.

●    Drug crime

There was an evident rise in the global drug crime rate. The stress exerted significant pressure on people. The pandemic situation and their miserable conditions induced them to take narcotics. They tried to relieve their stress by taking drugs to calm their nerves. Therefore, it significantly increased the number of narcotics dealers and drug trafficking.

However, drug dealers could not move freely due to the pandemic, and police quickly arrested many.

●    Domestic abuse

Lockdown had also affected many families who became victims of domestic abuse. Pandemic has affected the mental conditions of people and aggravated their pre-existing behavior. In the family court of England and Wales, there was a drastic increase in domestic abuse cases. However, police mainly released suspected persons without any investigation due to negligence. It further deteriorates the entire scenario.

●    Commercial theft

There was a significant increase in the commercial theft rate. Most people were devoid of basic life amenities, including proper food, medicines, lack of financial assistance, etc. The pandemic had closed all the opportunities that made a person economically unstable. In that circumstances, people chose a pathway of robbery and stealing to meet their needs.

Conclusion

Pandemic has changed the lives of everyone in specific ways. Some have lost their lives, jobs, and families, while others lost their precious wealth due to robbery. All these financial, social, and mental issues make a person commit a crime. All these consequences will require some time and effort. The crime rate can be fixed by providing more job opportunities, better health facilities, an education system, and psychological assistance to deal with this issue.