Crime Rates Spike Locally and Nationally Due to Recession

Killings in the city I live and work in have increased 48 percent during the first six months of 2009; compared with the same time frame last year. Law enforcement and community leaders cite many different factors that contributed. I on the other hand believe the major contributing factor in Baton Rouge and nationally is the recession.

Any way you slice it, the fact is that nearly 15,000,000 million people in the US who want jobs can’t find them. The trickle down effect will be an increase in crime across the board. I’m afraid that the real crime increases are just beginning to show up on the “crime statistics radar”.

Most state fiscal years begin July 1st and most are facing huge cuts across the board. In Louisiana we face massive cuts to higher education, health care, and law enforcement to name a few. None are good for the state or the economy. Nearly every US state is facing budget shortfalls; as a result more jobs will to be lost and funding for programs such as law enforcement cut drastically.

During the 90’s we had the longest sustained period of growth and the longest decrease in crime. The number of low wage jobs has also decreased and the ones that remain face much more competition than in past years. One of the major factors according to many economists is the increase in the Hispanic population.

Times are extremely tough all over and as of know no real light at the end of the tunnel. In addition, to murder, crimes such as rape, home invasion, burglary and theft are up in most major cities nationwide. Our streets are becoming as dangerous as ever before. Shear desperation explains many incidents. The pressure to feed your family, provide medication, pay rent or a mortgage, and to cover a car note can cause people to “lose it”. They feel that crime is the only way to get what they need.

Now more than ever, I suggest that home security and street safety become a priority in your family, if it currently is not. There are some common sense things you can do now to help ensure you don’t fall victim. You don’t need a lot of money or any special skill set, just a desire for self defense.

A great non-lethal self defense product is OC pepper spray. The effects of pepper spray are nearly instant and provide you with plenty of time to get to safety. The spray range is good between 8 and 20 feet depending on the size and type of spray chosen. Pepper spray has been proven time and time again to be effective against people under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Pepper spray makes a great first line of self defense for home security or street safety.

Home security alarms are inexpensive, very effective and versatile. You can protect your home, apartment, or small business with a wireless security system or smaller home security alarms. You can find entry way alarms (door and window alarms) for less than $20.00 that will alert you if anyone attempts to gain access to your home through a door or window. Motion sensor’s can secure large rooms without a large investment.

The well being of your family should be a priority in your home, we can certainly help make this happen. We have the self defense products that you need. We are happy to consult and advise you on our opinion of the best product for the situation you face.