Why Some Crimes Go Unreported (AC 1.2)

Question 1

What are the reasons to not report a crime

Answer 1

Fear 
Shame
Disinterest
Not affected 
Lack of knowledge 
Complexity 
Lack of media interest 
Lack of public concern 
Cultural bound crime

Question 2

Fear?

Answer 2

They may not report a crime out of fear of retaliation, becoming a victim as a result, fear that they will not be believed by police.

Question 3

Shame?

Answer 3

They feel as though it’s their fault it happened, they do not want to be seen as a victim and viewed differently.

Question 4

Disinterest?

Answer 4

It doesn’t affect them, it could be a victimless crime. Examples- speeding, vagrancy and vandalism.

Question 5

Not affected?

Answer 5

Example- attempted robbery- nothing was actually stolen and the victim doesn’t feel like one so they don’t report it.

Question 6

Lack of knowledge?

Answer 6

Of the crime, and who to report it to. Example- online grooming- not taught to recognise the signs.

Question 7

Complexity?

Answer 7

Example- white collar crime- detailed and complex planning.

Question 8

Lack of media interest?

Answer 8

As a result there is uncertainty between the victim or witnesses as to whether a crime was actually committed. Example- smoking and underage drinking.

Question 9

Lack of public concern?

Answer 9

Victimless crime, or it is just seen as normal in society. Example- speeding, illegally downloading music.

Question 10

Cultural bound crime?

Answer 10

Committed in communities that share the same principles and witness might not report it out of lack of cultural understanding.