Memphis TN Burglaries Increasing, What’s the Cause?

According to this piece in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, burglaries were up 12.2% in 2008 when compared with 2007. This is quite a hefty jump and does not include break-ins related to domestic situations. This means that the majority of these offenses are being committed on strangers.

So, why the increase? Well, if you ask the Shelby County District Attorney General, you won’t hear them attributed to the disastrous economy. Unemployment is at record highs and people are struggling to make ends meet, but Mr. Gibbons thinks this is totally unrelated.

I understand a good many break-ins are related to drug use, people looking for easy money to support their habit. But, isn’t it irresponsible to think that none of the increase can be due to poverty taking a hold of the people of Memphis?

Regardless of why the burglaries are happening, the increase is noticeable. People are aware of the risk and often know of someone who’s been victimized by this frightening crime.

The police are patrolling high burglary areas and even the prosecutors are getting in on deterrence and incapacitation, limiting reduced charges or plea bargains on burglary cases. The combined effort seems to be working at keeping burglars off the streets but what about prevention?

If the increase is due to an increase in drug usage, perhaps more attention should be focused there, ensuring people convicted of burglary are given an opportunity to get help for addictions, thereby decreasing that risk factor.

If you have ever experienced a substance abuse problem, you know how scary it is to face criminal charges for a mistake you made while in the throes of addiction. Perhaps, though, you have committed a crime or made a mistake to try and compensate for lack of income or resources during these tough financial times.

Whatever the reason, if you are facing charges for a property offense in Memphis or within the state of Tennessee, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side, ensuring this tougher prosecution gives you a fair chance.