The Link Between Unemployment And Crime
The country’s ongoing unemployment crisis is becoming more than an economic issue and has escalated into a social emergency, which fuels the rising crime statistics. The desperation and inequality have seen an increase in criminal activity, leaving ordinary citizens struggling daily with safety in high-risk areas where violent crimes, robberies, hijackings and scams continue to worsen. Read on to learn more about the link between unemployment and crime.
Why Does Unemployment Increase Crime Stats?
Unemployment directly impacts financial security and dignity. For most people, the lack of opportunities leads to desperation, and for some, crime becomes the only plausible way to survive. The more opportunities are limited, the greater the inequality that affects everyone.
In most cases, high unemployment will often influence:
- Property crimes like burglary, theft, and car hijackings.
- Violent crimes, including assaults, armed robberies, and home invasions.
- Drug-related offences, where some may turn to dealing as a source of income.
- Fraud and phishing scams increase as victims are exploited financially.
Why You Need to Be Proactive About Safety
Even though unemployment cannot be controlled in the current climate, you can still take some preventative measures to prepare for the risks that can arise. Having immediate access to emergency assistance through the FREE-to-use iER App can ensure the appropriate responders are alerted at the tap of the button. Whether you are walking home, driving, or if the threat enters your home, you can still connect to a nationwide network of over 18,000 medical and non-medical emergency units.
How the iER App Helps Mitigate Crime-Related Risks
The FREE-to-use iER App is a safety lifeline which can offer the help you need when faced with a life-threatening situation. These are the ways it can be your safety companion:
1. Instant Access to Nationwide Help
You can access a nationwide network of over 18,000 emergency responders. Whether you need the police, private security teams, medical, or rescue services, our emergency responders can assist. This is a lifesaver when faced with situations where every second counts.
2. Silent Alert for Discreet Notifications
If you’re in danger, you might not be able to make a phone call. The iER App allows you to send a discreet SOS alert through the app, silently notifying responders of your location and situation. This can be a lifesaving measure during hijackings, robberies, or home invasions.
3. Real-Time Location Sharing
Criminal incidents often leave you disoriented. With the iER App, your exact location is automatically shared with dispatchers when you have your location-sharing settings enabled, so responders can reach you faster without you needing to direct them.
4. Trauma Support While Help is on the Way
In high-stress situations, such as being attacked or injured, clear thinking becomes difficult. The FREE-to-use iER App emergency dispatchers provide real-time guidance over the phone or through the app, helping you stay calm and safe until responders arrive.
Practical Steps to Stay Safe
While the iER App can be your trusted safety companion, using it along with proactive daily habits can help to reduce your risks further. These are some practical tips
- Stay alert in public to avoid distractions like phones or headphones when walking alone.
- Vary your routes and routines to make it harder for criminals to predict your movements.
- Don’t show your valuables in public. Things like phones, jewellery, or large amounts of cash make you a target.
- Trust your instincts if something feels wrong, change direction or enter a safe public space.
- Use the iER App as part of your daily safety plan for ease of access to necessary emergency responders.
The unemployment crisis and the risks associated with it will not go away overnight, and this is why crime will remain a by-product of the current economic strain. Staying prepared for unexpected changes that could put you at risk is one way to stay ahead and prioritise your safety. The FREE-to-use iER App gives you immediate, nationwide access to emergency assistance, giving you peace of mind and a much-needed lifeline against crime for yourself, your family, and your community.
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