1. Section 3 – The Impact of Crime
Crime impacts:
Victims

Criminals

Communities

Country
Victims
Social Impact

If someone has been the victim of a crime it may impact their social
life and relationships. If they have been the victim of a violent
crime such as an assault they may have lost the confidence to go out
and meet friends.
Financial Impact

People who have had a break-in will either have the cost of replacing
stolen goods or losing their no claims bonus on the household
insurance. Also, victims of crime may find that they can’t go to work
and therefore there may be a loss of wages.
Physical Impact

People who have been the victim of crime may face the physical
effects of that crime. For example, people who have been assaulted
are often left with cuts and/or bone breakages. Also, they may face
mental conditions such as stress or depression.
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2. Criminals
Social Impact

People who have been convicted of committing a crime often lose the
support of friends of family. This is particularly the case in white
collar crimes where the criminal is shunned by friends, family and
colleagues. Also, criminals who are given prison sentences lose daily
contact with their families.
Financial Impact

People who have been convicted of a crime will have a criminal record
will find it very difficult to get a job. Particularly during times of
recession where jobs are in high demand!
Physical Impact

Convicted criminals who undertake a prison sentence face a number of
physical problems. Firstly, drug abuse is extremely high in prison. A
high ratio of prisoners go into prison with drug habits and continue
this habit during their sentence. However, there are a significant
number of prisoners who go into prison ‘clean’ and leave with an
addiction. Also, mental health issues such as depression and self
harming are common problems amongst prisoners.
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3. The Community
Social Impact

Communities that suffer from high levels of crime suffer from a
number of social problems. These include poor health due to
significant levels of drug and alcohol abuse. Also, poor education
standards due to poor discipline and attendance. This is
demonstrated in many of the poorer parts of Glasgow such as
Drumchapel.
Financial Impact

Communities that have high levels of crime tend to have a ‘bad’
reputation. Companies & businesses will not settle in areas that have
a bad reputation, therefore these areas tend to lack job
opportunities. Communities such as Auchinleck are a good example of
the financial impact of crime.
Physical Impact

The physical environment in a high crime area tends to be rundown.
Crimes such as vandalism means that there will be a great deal of
graffiti, play parks and bus stops will be damaged and cars may be
burnt out.
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4. The Country
Social Impact

Crime impacts a country’s standard of health. Illegal drug addiction
can lead to organ failure and diseases such as Hepatitis and
HIV/Aids. Violent crimes such as assaults and knife attacks can lead
to organ failure, bone breakages, paralysis etc. Clearly, crime
impacts the health of a nation.
Financial Impact

Crime costs a country a great deal of money. The cost of the police,
courts and prisons is huge. For example, on average it costs the
British taxpayer £32,000 per year to keep someone prison. Also,
crime costs the NHS money. The NHS has to treat drug addicts and
the victims of violent crime.
Physical Impact

Crime has a negative impact on the physical environment of many poor
communities of a country like Scotland. Vandalism and arson result
on entire areas looking rundown and unwelcoming. This affects the
reputation of an entire country.
Individual Task -The Impact of Crime (Exam Practise)
Nat 4
Describe two ways in which crime affects people in Scotland.
(4 marks)
Nat 5
Explain, in detail, the impact of crime in Scotland today.
(8 marks)
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