Why do people commit crime?

Answer 1

According to criminological theories, several explanations exist regarding the rationale for the commission of crime(s). On a fundamental level, three things must exist: 1) a victim, 2) an opportunity and, 3) lack of a supervisory presence (witnesses). There are other possible explanations such as labeling theory, social learning theory, etc.

As an aside, there are several important items related to crime that are misconceptions. First, sexual offenders do NOT recidivate (recommit sex crimes) at a high rate. I have seen this rate in the media to be reported as high as 90%. This is absolutely false. Sexual offenders actually have one of the lowest recidivism rates for same offense of any offender. In other words, sex offenders have a very, very low likelihood of committing another sexual offense. One more note on this - the sex offender registry is a joke based off of political need instead of criminological efficacy.

Lastly, the perceived need for increased police officers to address perceived high crime rates (rates which are currently very comparable to the 1960s) is unfounded. Studies have shown that an increase in the number of police personnel has, at best, a minimal effect on crime. As a public we must understand that the police were designed to be a REACTIVE force; not a PREVENTATIVE force. Yes, an increase in police on the streets may create faster response times and maybe even higher arrest/clearance rates (even though this has not yet been supported by the literature) but the crime for which the police were called has already committed.

Answer 2

People commit crimes because they think it will get rid of there everyday problems. Instead it just causes more problems and they get sent to jail that means they cant do anything about the everyday problems until they get out of jail and when they do they just do another crime.

They also do it because they are sick minded and they do not think they will never get caught.

Reasons to commit crime (especially robbery)

• They are on drugs (narcotics, medication, alcohol)
• They want or need money or other worldly things.
• Hate authority *racial, religious, personal*
• They are in a gang or peer pressure.
• They are bored
• To protect yourself or someone else.
• They are hungry.
• There was an opportunity (because it is too easy, risk vs. reward, desire and opportunity)

Sometimes it's simply to disregard authority. Some career criminals do it for the thrill of knowing they're committing a crime and getting away with it (for however long that may be).

A physiological explanation can also be a solid reason. The suspect in his/her mind believes he/she is "righting a wrong" or is doing it for "a greater good". Thinking with this mentality, he/she is bringing themselves to believe they are not breaking the law.

Also, financial or life hardships may also drive a person to commit a crime.