The Real Cost of Crime
by About my concerns and the facts behind these concerns while I was crossing a crime site. We usually ignore the facts but they are there for us to study and get lesson. If only we were to control crime, half of our taxes can be done with and the society would be a lot better place to live in.
I was returning back from a successful shopping crusade, successful because my wife remained in the limits that I had set for her. Of course only in mind, as who can dare to conflict with this species.
But it was not long that I could enjoy my victory because as soon as I reached the bus stop, I was informed by a gentleman that the bus stop was closed and we have to walk further down to the “Sumner Road” to ride the bus. For me this was the usual place to embark and I inquired the reason, the reply was that someone has been ‘STABBED’ and the police have cordoned the area.
I walked, helplessly, and then the vicinity also drew closer where the sad occurrence took place. I kept on thinking, what was my fault? Why I had to bear the consequences of this heinous act? And then I realized that this is the cost of crime, crime in my society, the society in which I dwell.
So it became apparent to me that society has to suffer and bear the cost of crime. Probably a couple of thousands like me, or probably more, had to bear the same fate that day, but I don’t know how many of them thought on these lines.
The whole place was barricaded as a no go area, and about 40 businesses were in the vicinity. I saw the desperation on their faces in the current killing recessive conditions, a few already pulling their shutters as they seem to be sure that no business activity was viable today.
The bitter truth of the cost of crime was unfolding right in my mind, although I am no economist. A lot of employees who get their salary by the hour had their day cut off and would now earn less than they would have, means less to spend or save.
Sumner road was about 10 minutes walk distance. But because all the transport was diverted, the buses covered the same distance (approx 2 minutes normally) in about 15 minutes via XYZ. Same was the case with other motorists who had to find a new way to reach their destinations. Imagine the extra time and fuel costs, and then the environmental impact of all this.
I think majority of the affected were returning home, after a tiring day, to their loved ones. But this delay caused them irritation, tension and distress. They must have received calls or had to inform that they will not be able to reach in time. Some might even have arranged baby sitting and probably had to pay extra.
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