Demographics of Crime: Unveiling Patterns

Who Commits Crime?

Crime statistics reveal certain demographic patterns, indicating that individuals are more likely to engage in criminal activities if they possess the following characteristics:

Age:

• Younger individuals, particularly those aged 21-25 for males and 26-30 for females, exhibit a higher likelihood of criminal convictions.
• For minor offences (e.g., breach of the peace), the peak age is even lower for both males and females.

Gender:

• Men constitute the majority of offenders, contributing to around 70% of all reported crimes.
• Almost all cases of violent crime are committed by men.

Residence:

• Individuals residing in urban areas, especially city centres on weekends or areas with lower-quality housing, are more prone to engaging in criminal activities.

Scottish Crime Statistics (2019/20):

• In Scotland during 2019/20, 85,726 individuals faced court proceedings, reflecting a 4% decrease from the previous year.
• Among them, 75,251 individuals were convicted, marking a corresponding 4% decline.

Trend Analysis:

• These figures continue a downward trend, indicating a consistent reduction in both court appearances and convictions over recent years.

Understanding the demographics of crime provides valuable insights for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to tailor interventions and address underlying factors contributing to criminal behaviour.