GRAPPLING WITH CRIME

The public should believe the Minister of Public Security when he said that he will have zero tolerance for crime. However, crime cannot be solved unless all the reasons for it are known. Several reasons and causes have been put forward for the rise in crime and violence especially by youths in society. No single reason can be blamed for it. It is alleged that most actions and habits begin with small acts. This is true for both good and bad actions and habits. Habits are formed when one acts in a particular way over and over again. Sometimes people do not even realize that they have a habit and are just so consumed in the practice that it becomes second nature to them. At other times they overlook the little acts, not realizing that these can eventually become big ones. Experts have argued that a person who is involved in major criminal activities had to commit many minor offences before. They contend that most criminals start out doing petty crimes before they graduate to major ones. If measures are not taken early to effectively prevent such acts, they can become a habit and mature into more dangerous and violent acts. Joblessness and hopelessness and the influence of friends and acquaintances have made it easy for youths to turn to crime. Quite often, many youths have become criminals because of the friends they keep, the people they know and the environment they live in. Together, these factors have helped to develop a criminal mindset in youths who are vulnerable. Interestingly, the converse is also true. Those who have jobs and are law-abiding, good, decent friends and acquaintances and live in a nurturing environment are less likely to commit crimes and will ultimately be a model citizen. There are always exceptions to the rule; but by and large this is the general rule. The old adage which says “people are known by the company they keep”is very instructional in that it is wise to ensure that youths keep the right company, and not be influenced by the wrong ones. This is much easier said than done, especially for the youths, some of whom regrettably do not even find that right company within their own homes or good role models within the family. Many are left with the choice to turn to friends and acquaintances, good or bad. This is usually the case when youths do not have that loving and caring home or a motivating environment. They look elsewhere for it which can lead to trouble. The influence that friends exert over one another is very powerful and, far too often, undesirable. Anti-social behaviour can be almost contagious among youths. Those whose friends smoke, drink, use illegal drugs, or commit crimes are likely to indulge in those activities themselves. Youths have always looked for ways to separate themselves from their families and to be their own persons. They turn to friends for guidance and direction and adopt the same attitudes. Conforming to social norms helps to redefine themselves while earning them acceptance and approval from friends.They no longer want to be told what to do, how to behave or what is important. But some are not exactly good at decision-making, As the APNU+AFC coalition government grapples with increasing criminal activities, youths must be encouraged by their parents to be aware of the company they keep and the influence others can exert on them. The company youths keep is but one of several reasons that could get them involved in crime. All in society can play a part in working with the youths to find that wholesome and enriching environment and group or circle of friends that would encourage them to be better and productive citizens rather than being destructive. Turning to crime has become a way of life for some youths. The government should think about this!