Are Crooks Blaming the Economy?

I just read some interesting figures reported by the Associated Press. It seems that according to the FBI the big crime wave law enforcement was bracing for around the first of the year actually took a turn for the better by falling in the first 6 months of 2009. Could it actually be that crooks have gained a conscience toward the loss of jobs and layoffs? I seriously doubt it. Status reports gathered by the FBI from 11,700 law enforcement agencies across the nation show that crime in more than a few large cities such as Chicago and New York to name a couple have dropped. Now before everyone can give all the credit to the current administration's extended unemployment and stimulus benefits I would like to point out that these numbers as well are reflected in the last 6 months of 2008.

Crimes such as auto theft showing a drop of 19 percent this contributed mainly to new technology such as GPS locator's and anti-theft devices and violent crimes falling 4.4 percent and property crimes falling 6.1 percent. I'm guessing as far as property crimes falling much can be contributed to one big factor. It's hard to rob a home when the owner is out of work and more than likely there.

These numbers are great considering one would think because of the current economy we would expect to see a drastic increase. The current stimulus and benefits are a contributor one could say but hopefully not just a cushion in pro longing because a true fact is that the stimulus is not going to last forever.