What drives crime?

Crime disrupts the societal fabric, undermining peace and stability. Understanding the factors that lead individuals to adopt criminal behavior is crucial. A personal survey of 150 inmates in the central jails of Karachi, Sukkur, and Larkana reveals a strong correlation between criminal tendencies and socio-economic circumstances. The findings emphasise that crime is not an inherent trait but rather a consequence of societal pressures and inequalities.

Crime is broadly defined as an act or omission that violates societal norms and laws. Sociologists often describe it as deviant behaviour that disrupts community harmony. In Pakistan, crime is legally defined under the Pakistan Penal Code as any punishable act or omission. Theories on crime emphasise three key components: mental intention (or mens rea), which reflects the psychological motive behind a crime; actus reus, the physical act of committing the crime; and the violation of law, where acts contravene established societal rules. These components intertwine with socio-economic realities to shape criminal behaviour.

The survey conducted among inmates in Karachi, Sukkur, and Larkana prisons highlights distinct patterns of crime shaped by socio-economic and demographic factors. Karachi, with its sprawling population of over 20 million and diverse ethnic composition, experiences a high crime rate. According to the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), Karachi recorded 26,491 crimes in the last five months of 2024. During this period, 58,771 vehicles and 7,890 mobile phones were stolen or snatched. There were 212 incidents of homicide, 33 cases of extortion, and 10 reported kidnappings for ransom.

In contrast, crimes in Sukkur and Larkana are often rooted in rural socio-cultural dynamics. Approximately 9,510 criminal incidents were reported in the last five months across the Larkana and Sukkur divisions, which include districts such as Larkana, Qamber Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Ghotki. About 350 people were murdered, often as a result of personal enmities and community clashes, while 318 individuals, predominantly women, were killed under the pretext of honour. The reported cases of kidnapping for ransom stood at 28, though many such incidents go unreported as victims often rely on local ties and influence rather than approaching the police for help.

Many inmates involved in violent crimes, such as murder, cited unresolved family disputes and long-standing enmities as triggers. Revenge and feuds, deeply ingrained in local traditions, played a significant role in shaping criminal tendencies. These findings underscore that individuals are not born criminals; rather, socio-economic conditions foster criminal behaviour.

Factors such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and social inequality emerged as common threads among the inmates. Economic pressures forced many inmates in Karachi to turn to theft and robbery as a means of survival in a highly competitive urban environment. Meanwhile, inmates from Sukkur and Larkana often grew up in environments where revenge and feuds were normalised, perpetuating cycles of violence.

When societal structures fail to provide basic necessities or opportunities, individuals may resort to unlawful behaviour to survive. The findings from this survey demonstrate that crime is a social product shaped by socio-economic and demographic characteristics.

Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach. Economic upliftment through job creation and social safety nets can help curb the desperation that leads to criminal behaviour. Promoting literacy and challenging retrogressive norms can break the cycle of socialisation into crime. Improved policing and the swift resolution of disputes can deter crimes, especially in rural areas with a history of enmities.

Crime and criminal behaviour are deeply intertwined with a society’s socio-economic realities. By addressing poverty, inequality, and cultural norms that perpetuate criminal behaviour, society can create an environment where individuals thrive without resorting to unlawful actions. It is time to focus on the root causes of crime rather than merely addressing its symptoms. Only by fostering socio-economic equality and justice can we hope to restore the peace and stability that crime disrupts.

The writer is a senior superintendent of police in the Sindh Police.