Words by Rachel

According to a group of panelists in the US, complex social forces are not always behind a rise or fall in the crime rate. Since 2005, a report from the Urban Institute offers evidence that the increasing use of iPods and other technological gadgets (blackberries?) may have triggered a rise in violent crimes. 

Researchers from the Institute claim that gadgets like iPods are "criminogenic" or "crime-creating." What's more, because users are so involved and, therefore, distracted when using these gadgets, they actually help thieves get away with crime.

In 2005, robberies were up 3.9 percent, and up again in 2006 by 6.8 percent. I can't help but wonder, how many of these robberies included the theft of an iPod or a similar device. After all, these technologies are highly saught after...

This wave of iCrime is particularly evident in youth offenders. Adult robbery arrests role actually declined over a two-year span (2005-6), unlike juvenile arrests for robberies which jumped 11 percent in 2005 and another 21 percent the following year.

I'm highly skeptical about the correlation between technology and crime; however, I am interested in discussing questions three and four below. And, even if it makes up a small percentage of why juvenile crime has recently increased, I think it pales in comparison to the complex social forces that we currently relate to crime rates.

Unfortunately, I am going to miss what seems to be an interesting webinar on the iCrime Wave  tomorrow because I will be away at The Power Within for Women, but I hope to listen to the audio and reflect on this more when I return. The panel of experts are expected to consider:

1. Are the changes in consumer behaviour driving changes in criminal behaviour?
2. Are the supply of potential victims and opportunities for would-be offenders increasing?
3. Can "must-have" personal media devices trump the negative influence of poverty, violent media and other oft-debated social issues?
4. Do new devices call for new crime-prevention measures?

As usual, I welcome your thoughts and ideas...

Related Resources:

• Is there an iCrime Wave?
• Register for the iCrime Wave webinar - March 4th, 2008 at Noon ET
• The Power Within for Women