Theft Offenses Rise in Nashville

Last month I wrote about the rise in property crime in Memphis. In a similar story, the Tennessean is now reporting that Nashville is experiencing the same rise. Burglary and theft are higher than previous years and, again, people disagree as to the cause.

The knee jerk answer when the economy is bad is that people are stealing for their livelihood, that they are turning to criminal behavior because times are hard. Sgt. John Patton likes to blame the rise on repeat offenders traveling throughout the state and suburbs of Nashville to expand their area of thefts.

This is an interesting theory and, no doubt, has some merit. I have a difficult time, however, with the fact that no one seems to recognize that criminal behavior (particularly theft offenses) is more common among people in lower socio-economic brackets. When the economy is down like it is now, that segment of society grows and the crime grows along with it.

Some of these theft offenses are serious and violent crimes that are committed for reasons way beyond getting material needs met; I am certainly not saying thefts are all committed out of necessity. Having said that, when times are hard and someone with few resources sees a solution, they are more likely to take that risk, even if it means breaking the law.

Does this make it right? No, it doesn’t. But it does help to explain the jump in property crime rates. A clear connection can be made with the rise in shoplifting, this offense is more typically done out of need rather than greed.

If you are facing a theft charge and looking for an experienced attorney to represent you, call me today to discuss your case.