Anonymous asked this question on 4/13/2000:

why do people commit crimes?

Detective gave this response on 4/30/2000:

There are about 7 primary reasons for criminal activity:

1) Necessity: If you are extremely poor and have to steal for instance.

2) Convenience: While looking at an expensive diamond ring on a jewelry counter and the clerk walks away.

3) Emotional: Hate crimes are on the increase and can be associated with this, also "crimes of passion" when a person kills there spouse and lover are often due to the extreme emotions of the situation.

4) Ignorance of the Law: Sometimes you don't even know your breaking a certain law.

5) Mental Illness: Many people who have mental health problems can't truly understand that what they are doing is breaking a law. Often similar to #4 (Ignorance). Can also be less severe like with shoplifting which is often a crime based on emotional issues rather than necessity.

6) Pre-Disposition: Some people's personalities and life choices will prompt them to lead a life of crime. Repeat offenders.

7) Environmental: If a child grows up believing that certain criminal activity is acceptable (drug dealing, prostitution, cheating on taxes, etc.) it can often enhance their potential for crime. Also, sometimes when people are involved in "group" crimes there are those who really didn't want to participate but only do so because they have a need for belonging.

Hope this helps and take care.

Michael Director of Investigations TACTICS Private Investigators http://www.tacticsone.com

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