Causes of Common Crime

Subject : 

SECURITY EDUCATION 

Class :

Basic 3 / Primary 3

Term :

Second Term 

Week:

Week  6

Topic

CAUSES OF COMMON CRIMES

 

Behavioural Objectives :

By the end of the lesson, the students should have attained the following objectives (cognitive, affective and psychomotor) and should be able to

• Identify common crimes.
• State the causes of common crimes.
• Mention the effects of common crimes.
•  Report appropriately ways of relating with security agents.
•  Explain ways of relating with security agents, school, and neighborhood authorities in crime prevention.
•  Avoid criminal behaviours.

Materials:

• Textbook on the different factors affecting criminal behavior (biological, psychological, social, environmental, cultural)
• Real-world examples of criminal behavior (news articles, case studies, etc.)

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have seen criminals on TV before and have watched movies with criminal scenes

 

Content 

MEANING OF CRIME

A crime is an illegal act or an offence for which a person can be punished by the government..

Crimes are actions or omissions that are prohibited and punishable by law. They can vary in severity, from minor infractions such as traffic violations to more serious offenses like murder and embezzlement. Crimes can be classified into several categories, including violent crimes, property crimes, and white-collar crimes. The punishment for a crime can range from a fine or community service to imprisonment or even the death penalty. The legal system is responsible for determining guilt and imposing penalties for criminal offenses. The prevention of crime and the protection of citizens from criminal activity is also an important function of the government.

 

Evaluation

1. Which of the following is not considered a crime? a) Theft b) Lying c) Tax evasion d) Telling the truth
2. What is the legal definition of rape? a) Non-consensual sexual intercourse b) Non-consensual kissing c) Consensual sexual intercourse d) Consensual kissing
3. What is the difference between murder and manslaughter? a) Murder involves premeditation while manslaughter does not b) Murder is committed with a weapon while manslaughter is not c) Murder is always punishable by death while manslaughter is not d) Murder is committed with a group of people while manslaughter is not
4. What is the crime known as “Advance free fraud” commonly referred to as? a) Ponzi scheme b) 419 scam c) Robbery d) Embezzlement
5. What is the crime of selling contaminated food commonly known as? a) Food fraud b) Food contamination c) Food poisoning d) Food fraud
6. Which of the following is not considered a crime? a) Dealing in fake drugs b) Selling counterfeit goods c) Using pirated software d) Using original software
7. What is the crime of breaking into someone’s home or office called? a) Burglary b) Larceny c) Robbery d) Embezzlement
8. What is the crime of using violence or threats to take someone’s property called? a) Burglary b) Larceny c) Robbery d) Embezzlement
9. What is the crime of taking money or property that has been entrusted to you called? a) Burglary b) Larceny c) Robbery d) Embezzlement
10. What is the crime of intentionally setting fire to a building or property called? a) Arson b) Vandalism c) Trespass d) Assault

EXAMPLES OF COMMON CRIMES

1. Falsehood: Making false statements or misrepresenting facts with the intent to deceive or mislead.
2. Theft: Taking someone else’s property without their consent, with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.
3. Rape: Non-consensual sexual intercourse, including forced penetration or sexual touching.
4. Murder: The unlawful killing of another person, with intent or malice.
5. Advance fee fraud (419): A type of scam in which the perpetrator promises a large sum of money to the victim, but requests an advance fee before the money can be received.
6. Sale of contaminated food: Selling food that is spoiled or unsafe for consumption, with the intent to cause harm to the consumer
7. Dealing in fake drugs: Selling counterfeit or fake drugs that do not contain the active ingredients or dosages claimed.

Evaluation

1. What is one of the most common causes of crime? a) Wealth b) Poverty c) Education d) Religion
2. Which of the following is not considered a cause of crime? a) Broken homes or divorce b) Lack of parental care c) Mental health issues d) Good health
3. What is the relationship between drug abuse and crime? a) Drug abuse is a cause of crime b) Drug abuse is a result of crime c) Drug abuse is unrelated to crime d) Both a and b
4. What role do peers play in causing crime? a) Peers can influence individuals to engage in criminal behavior b) Peers have no influence on criminal behavior c) Peers can prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior d) Peers can only cause crime in certain situations
5. What is the relationship between poverty and crime? a) Poverty is a cause of crime b) Poverty is a result of crime c) Poverty is unrelated to crime d) Both a and b
6. How does easy access to illegal goods and services contribute to crime? a) It increases the likelihood that individuals will engage in criminal behavior b) It decreases the likelihood that individuals will engage in criminal behavior c) It has no effect on criminal behavior d) It only contributes to certain types of crime
7. How does politics contribute to crime? a) Political corruption can lead to a lack of enforcement of laws b) Political instability can lead to a rise in crime c) Political campaigns have no effect on crime d) Both a and b
8. What is the relationship between deprivation and crime? a) Deprivation is a cause of crime b) Deprivation is a result of crime c) Deprivation is unrelated to crime d) Both a and b
9. How does unemployment contribute to crime? a) Unemployment can lead to financial desperation and criminal behavior b) Unemployment can lead to a lack of purpose and criminal behavior c) Unemployment has no effect on criminal behavior d) Both a and b
10. How does population density contribute to crime? a) High population density can lead to increased competition for resources and criminal behavior b) High population density can lead to a lack of privacy and criminal behavior c) Population density has no effect on criminal behavior d) Both a and b

Causes of Common Crimes

1. Broken homes or divorce: Family instability and lack of proper parental guidance can lead to individuals feeling neglected or abandoned, which can lead to criminal behavior.
2. Lack of parental care or irresponsible parents: Children who grow up without proper care and guidance from their parents may turn to crime as a means of survival or as a form of rebellion.
3. Drug abuse: Drug addiction can lead to criminal behavior as individuals may turn to crime to support their addiction.
4. Peers influence: Being exposed to criminal behavior from friends and associates can lead to individuals committing crimes themselves.
5. Poverty: Financial hardship can lead individuals to commit crimes as a means of survival.
6. Easy access: The availability of illegal goods and services can increase the likelihood of individuals engaging in criminal behavior.
7. Politics: Political instability or corruption can lead to an increase in crime as individuals may feel disenfranchised or seek to take advantage of the situation.
8. Deprivation: A lack of access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and education can increase the likelihood of individuals turning to crime.
9. Unemployment: Unemployment or underemployment can lead to financial hardship, which can increase the likelihood of individuals committing crimes.
10. Population: High population density can lead to increased competition for resources and opportunities, which can contribute to higher crime rates. It is important to note that these are just some of the possible causes of common crimes and that the reasons behind criminal behavior can be complex and multifaceted

 

EFFECTS OF COMMON CRIMES

1. Disorientation: Victims of crime may feel disoriented and confused as they try to process what has happened to them.
2. Confusion: Victims may have a difficult time understanding the events that have occurred and may have trouble making sense of the situation.
3. Difficulty problem solving: Victims may have trouble focusing and making decisions, which can affect their ability to solve problems.
4. Memory problems: Victims may have difficulty remembering details about the crime or may have flashbacks that disrupt their daily lives.
5. Poor attention spans: Victims may have trouble focusing on tasks or may be easily distracted.
6. Disturbed thinking: The traumatic event can cause victims to have negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves and the world around them.
7. Blaming someone: Victims may blame themselves or others for the crime, which can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
8. Reliving the event: Victims may experience recurrent and distressing memories, dreams or flashbacks of the event.
9. Fear/anxiety, anger and depression: Victims may experience a range of emotional and psychological effects, including fear, anxiety, anger, and depression.
10. Grief and guilt: Victims may grieve the loss of safety, security and the trauma they have experienced. They may also feel guilty for not being able to prevent the crime.
11. Feeling helpless, isolated and desire to withdraw/hide: Victims may feel helpless and isolated, and may withdraw from social interactions or hide from the outside world

Evaluation

1. What is a common psychological effect of experiencing a crime? a) Disorientation b) Excitement c) Calmness d) Confusion
2. What is a common cognitive effect of experiencing a crime? a) Improved problem solving skills b) Difficulty problem solving c) Increased memory d) Poor attention span
3. What is a common emotional effect of experiencing a crime? a) Anger b) Happiness c) Indifference d) Grief and guilt
4. What is a common behavioral effect of experiencing a crime? a) Withdrawal and isolation b) Aggression c) Extraversion d) blaming someone
5. What is a common effect of experiencing a crime for the victim’s family members? a) Fear and anxiety b) Relief c) Excitement d) Anger and depression
6. What is a common effect of experiencing a crime for the community? a) Fear and anxiety b) Relief c) Excitement d) Anger and depression
7. What is a common effect of experiencing a crime for the perpetrator? a) Fear and anxiety b) Relief c) Excitement d) Anger and depression
8. What is a common effect of experiencing a crime for the justice system? a) Fear and anxiety b) Relief c) Excitement d) Anger and depression
9. What is a common effect of experiencing a crime on an individual’s relationships? a) Improved relationships b) Damaged relationships c) No effect on relationships d) Both a and b
10. What is a common effect of experiencing a crime on an individual’s future? a) Improved future prospects b) Damaged future prospects c) No effect on future prospects d) Both a and b

 

PREVENTION OF CRIME

1. Removing target.
2. Removing items that may help commit an offence.
3. Access control
4. Surveillance
5. Rule settings
6. Cooperation with security agents, school and neighbourhood authorities in crime.
7. Community policing and engagement programs.
8. Education and awareness campaigns.
9. Environmental design and urban planning to reduce opportunities for crime.
10. Social programs to address underlying issues such as poverty and unemployment that may contribute to criminal behavior.

1. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves removing or making an object less desirable as a target for criminal activity.
2. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves removing or securing items that may be used to commit a crime.
3. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves controlling access to a certain area or building to prevent criminal activity.
4. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves monitoring an area or building to detect and deter criminal activity.
5. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves setting rules and regulations to prevent criminal activity.
6. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves cooperation with security agents, school and neighborhood authorities in preventing crime.
7. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves community policing and engagement programs.
8. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves educating the public about crime and how to prevent it.
9. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves designing the built environment to reduce opportunities for crime.
10. _____ is a crime prevention strategy that involves addressing underlying social issues such as poverty and unemployment that may contribute to criminal behavior

Lesson Presentation

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin the lesson by asking students if they can name different types of crimes. Write their responses on the whiteboard.
• Discuss the examples of crimes listed on the handout and ask students if they have any questions or if they can think of any other examples of crimes.
• Explain that in this lesson, students will be learning about different types of crimes, the causes of common crimes, the effects of common crimes, and ways to prevent crime.

Body (30 minutes):

• Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a handout of causes of common crimes.
• Ask the groups to discuss and come up with examples of how each cause can lead to criminal behavior.
• After the groups have finished, have each group share their examples with the class.
• Next, provide each group with a handout of effects of common crimes.
• Ask the groups to discuss and come up with examples of how these effects can impact the victims, their families, and the community.
• After the groups have finished, have each group share their examples with the class.
• Next, provide each group with a handout of crime prevention strategies.
• Ask the groups to discuss and come up with examples of how each strategy can be implemented in their community.
• After the groups have finished, have each group share their examples with the class.

Lesson Evaluation 

• Identify common crimes.
• Mention the causes of common crimes.
•  State the effects of common crimes.
•  State ways of relating with security agents, school, neighborhood authorities in crime prevention

Conclusion (10 minutes):

• Review the different types of crimes, causes of common crimes, effects of common crimes, and crime prevention strategies that were discussed in the lesson.
• Ask students to think about how they can use what they’ve learned in this lesson to make their community a safer place.
• Assign a written reflection as homework, where students have to reflect on what they have learned today and how they will apply it in the future to make their community safer.

Assessment: Participation during class discussions and written reflection