New evidence links inequality in England to increased crime

New evidence links inequality in England to increased crime. Research carried out at the University of Sheffield shows areas where there is more inequality suffer from more cases of burglary, robbery, violence, vehicle crime and criminal damage. The study compared Home Office figures for a wide range of crimes from 2002-2009 in Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP) against factors including inequality, unemployment, residential turnover and educational achievement in the same areas. Adam Whitworth from the University´s Department of Geography found inequality is significantly and positively associated with increased levels of all five crime types, and in particular thefts and burglaries. Whitworth believes the investigation highlights the importance of Government policies to tackle broader social and economic inequalities. He said: "New Labour was criticised for continuing the previous Conservative Government´s individualisation of policy around ideas of personal responsibility, with social and economic context pushed down the agenda, and this is a trend that continues under the Coalition Government. "This encourages Government to adopt a policy approach wedded to the assertion of greater control, protection of the socio-economic status quo and more intensive punishment of individuals.