We hear about crime all over the news on a regular basis. When it comes to street crime, the media seems to be in a constant frenzy. But what are the real statistics in Phoenix?
According to a recent report, the December arrest numbers for street crimes shows some interesting results. The specifics are as follows:
- Simple Assault 709
- Aggravated Assault 313
- Burglary 2,396
- Robbery 123
- Theft 1,056
- Drug Related Crimes 463
- Homicide 3
- Sexual Assault 42
Just over 70% of the reported arrests were for theft-related crimes, that is, theft, burglary and robbery. About 20% were for assaults (simple and aggravated), and drug-related offenses captured over 9% of the total.
Looking at the figures as a whole, coupled with what we know about the rise of drug use in Arizona and throughout the United States, one wonders whether drug abuse is the real culprit here. We all know that those addicted to drugs have to support their habit somehow, and the street theft crimes shown above are informative. One could come to the conclusion that a huge percentage of all the street crime arrests is the result, directly or indirectly, of drug addiction.
This conclusion is supported by figures that have been around for years. For example, it has been reported that more than half the people arrested in the United States test positive for illegal drugs. Moreover, 25% to 30% of state and federal inmates say that they were under the influence of drugs when committing violent offenses, and 10% to 36% state that they were under the influence when committing property crimes.
Whether or not you agree with the figures, one thing is clear: Drug abuse is a major contributing factor to street crime. The debate continues (see our December 28 blog) on the relative benefits of harsher sentencing laws versus rehabilitation as it relates to a reduction in the crime rate.
If you have been charged with a street crime in the Greater Phoenix area, contact an experienced Crimina Defense Attorney today.