Patterns to street crime seems to be a likely stereotype, but on many cases the pattern proves to be correct. Street crime is terrifying because it has a certain amount of shock value when occurrences consistently happen in a community. Street crime statistics show that “more crimes are committed by men than by women”, this does not mean women are not offenders; however, offenders are generally of male descent (Epstein, 2001). Street crimes include a wide range of offenses both violent and non-violent in nature. For an example, violent offenses would include rape, robbery, homicide, gangs, and drug-related incidences can be linked to violent street crimes. All street crimes have the potential to be violent, but there are some non-violent categorized crimes; Such as, property offenses, auto theft, burglaries, and petty theft (Valdosta, 2009).
Generally, street crime offenders will begin their planning and practices at a early age, known as “delinquent” offenses, which are becoming more violent in nature because of the high number of gang members who are still juveniles (Valdosta, 2009). When a member of a gang must commit to his/her fellow members he/she must show them trust and dedication. In most cases, it means committing a violent crime, also known as a “street crime”, or must endure a painful initiation process with pain inflicted on his/herself. According the Su Epstein, racial background can be one of the most influential factors in regards with street crime. The Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that in the years between 1976 to 2005, African American or “black” individuals have some of the top rated homicide percents in “felony murder, drug related, gun homicide, and argumentative circumstances” (USBJS, 2007). However, black victims tend to be pointed out at a much higher rate, due to racial inequality within the United States. On the other hand, when in comparison with white offenders, the Bureau of Justice Statistics report findings that white individuals of non-Hispanic descent also have some of the top rated homicide percents in “intimate homicide, family homicide, infanticide, eldercide, sex-related, gang-related, workplace, arson, and poison” (USBJS, 2007). The statistics presented are accurate through the year 2005, and the data shows that most of the homicides committed were intra-racial, and did not result in a race inequality, also known as a “hate crime”.
Street crime does not affect every individual, and “attack” of a street crime is unexpected in nature. Victims of street crime have one commonality among them, they never thought it would happen to them...until it did. Now, some victims try and speak out to other potential prey to keep their guard up and never think it would not happen to you.
Web Sites/Resources Used (Please give credit to quoted citations to these sources below):
Epstein, Su. (2001). Suite 101: “Who, What, & Where of Street Crime”. http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/crime_deviance/79466
http://www.valdosta.edu/~sncarver/writing.htm
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/homicide/race.htm
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