Crime narratives are not created in a vacuum

Poverty, unemployment, and income inequality, as well as cultural shifts, can lead to higher crime rates by pushing individuals towards wrongdoing out of desperation. Understanding these root causes is central to any realistic assessment of security.

It is critical to analyse crime trends alongside the challenges faced by the security apparatus, and this deserves attention. Crime news is scanty, and the lack of context can leave the public uninformed about the true nature of crime and public safety, obscuring the real issues at stake.

I depart from the viewpoint that statistics, whether they are released or not, can be misleading because they can be manipulated through accidental errors, biased sampling, or the use of flawed methodologies. Sugarcoated data serve no one and can lead to deceptive conclusions.

Within security network protocols, crimes are managed discreetly and kept away from public scrutiny. However, issues emerge when pieces of information are disclosed to the community without adequate context. Educating people about crime and legal processes is no longer enough. The fear of harming cultural, diplomatic, or sustainability sensitivities cannot be limitless. Besides, criminal groups adapt to new technologies and law enforcement pressures.

Based on observations of various media reports, the common transgressions in the country include bounced cheques, often because of insufficient funds. Petty theft and break-ins are becoming increasingly frequent. Financial crimes, including corruption, are of great concern, and with technological advancements, cybercrime is an increasingly pressing issue.

The criminal ecosystem is complex, involving international connections and local individuals. The more serious crimes are trafficking, including drugs, firearms, and people. Smuggling illicit goods as well as money laundering, remains a significant concern. Another persistent criminal issue is the theft of wires and cables, resulting in substantial financial losses due to the costs associated with damages and replacing stolen materials.

Stories about environmental crimes, such as discharging pollutants into the desert, water, or the air, and cases of illicit wildlife trade are few. Individuals might have ‘heard’ or ‘witnessed’ illegal activities; however, they may also opt to turn a blind eye. The reasons could include fear of reprisal, insufficient information, disinterest, or a cautious choice to remain ignorant to protect themselves. Unfortunately, communities are kept in the dark regarding deliberate pollution acts.

Another alert: two individuals succumbed to poisoning after drinking tainted bottled water in September. According to information released, laboratory tests confirmed the water was adulterated with harmful substances, later identified as amphetamine, which had been deliberately introduced into certain packages. This episode might have been motivated by a personal vendetta, though others could see it as a serious security threat that could harm thousands of users.

In perspective, all security measures are complex, especially considering that sectors like food, health, the environment, cyber, finance, and economics are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation. Individuals may become involved in crimes because of factors such as substance misuse, socioeconomic needs, or the prospect of substantial financial gain, particularly in high-profit markets like drugs, weapons, or human trafficking. People can be attracted to the allure of international organised crime.

Despite strong internal security and a low crime rate by global standards, traditional measures are insufficient against new threats. Institutions might deprioritise certain low crimes due to limited resources and bureaucratic burdens, contributing to misinformation and exposing vulnerabilities. Crime news can make people fearful, yet less informed about actual crime rates and types.

Finding new ways to examine crime and security highlights that lawbreaking at any level can impede a nation’s progress, and it requires recognising the link between crime and broader societal issues. Law enforcement and criminals are fundamentally opposed, a dynamic akin to a cat’s relentless pursuit of rats.

Behind every crime lies a story — a confluence of circumstances and choices.