Bag's Rants

Crime and Punishment. Moved to the Humour section.

Found this article last night but when I went back now to get it I couldn't find it. It had been moved off the UK front page after less than 24 hours and was not even available on any sub pages. I had to search for it.

Anyway, this article is saying that the current system is not working. Just under 60% of the criminals are reoffending. Of this 60%, 89% are for drug offences. Explain to me again why personal use drugs are a criminal offence? Looking at the figures in 2000 reoffending was 57.6% and in 2002 58.5%. Less that one percent increase and that was two years ago. Wasn't 2002 about the time they said that first time burglars shouldn't go to prison. That means a lot of new people went on community service and it would interesting seeing the figures for 2005.

The bit I liked was that the Home Office said that 'the figures actually meant there had been an "improvement" because the number of new crimes was 0.2% below predictions.' They are touching a part of me that they shouldn't be. It feels naughty but nice. Anyway enough of that. Point two of a single percent and it is an improvement. Boy! We are really grasping at straws.

Plus, and this is the worse bit. This must mean that contrary to popular opinion our soaring crime rate is due to new offenders. Those that are now thinking the risk of punishment has reduced to a level where they think it is worth it.

It used to be 'Don't do the crime if you can't to the time'. Now it appears that the statement 'It's worth the risk' is more appropriate.

posted by Bag @ 11:40 am