Crime and macroeconomic performance in Scotland

This paper analyses the relationship between macroeconomic performance and crime in Scotland.


This paper analyses the relationship between macroeconomic performance and crime in Scotland. Economic theory suggests there may be a link between macroeconomic conditions and the prevalence of crime. This relationship is based upon the idea that crime (especially acquisitive crime) may become more attractive when there are fewer opportunities to engage in legitimate activities. This paper presents the findings from Scottish Government research examining the relationship between crime rates and the macroeconomic variables of unemployment and national output. This includes a substantial literature review and analysis of Scottish specific evidence. It finds that the evidence of a short run link between these macroeconomic variables and crime rates is ambiguous at best, and emphasises that Solidarity, along with sustainable economic growth, forms one of the key foundations of a Safer and Stronger society.

Crime and macroeconomic performance in Scotland
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