What’s your job? I’m a thief …
Photo by Anne Ruthmann
It seems more and more Jamaicans are taking up robbery as a professional career. In times of economic downturn, crime pays.
There’s been a staggering increase in the number of reported robberies, a 79 per cent increase on around this time last year. In actual numbers, there were 277 robberies and 294 break-ins in one month alone.
It’s pretty shocking, but easy money. I remember talking to some guys who were eagerly awaiting hurricane season one year for looting opportunities. It’s like other countries wait for the strawberry picking season for their employment.
I suppose it makes perfect sense if this is the only way you can see to make money. But the knock on effects of a worsening crime situation on the island are obvious enough. Robbery is the nail in the coffin for local businesses struggling to keep afloat.
House break-ins only increase the number of gated developments with their barking dogs outside as people lock themselves away at night – this kind of thing can destroy communities.
Ironically, I was a victim of credit card fraud while in Jamaica.
[...] times of economic downturn, crime pays”: Jamaica Salt is saddened that “more and more Jamaicans are taking up robbery as a professional [...]
The incidence of crime will definitely increase over time as the economy worsens and unemployment increases.Also, there are no safety nets in Jamaica to cushion displaced workers, and with remittance income decreasing from relatives abroad including the United Kingdom, the anxieties on the island are real and profound.Hopefully, the police will be able to contain and manage the scourge of crime.
[...] He’s been in the job for three weeks and has listed his priorities for dealing with a crazy crime rate, see JA’s murder figures in this blog post. And here’s another post I wrote about the jump in robberies. [...]
As a Jamaican myself, who live abroad and as a Soldier in the British Army. I can truly say that the topic distresses me deeply because I would one day want to set up a business in Jamaica. I would love to help my country grow but these things turn hard working people away. My intention will not be wavered because I leave my country to better myself, for this very reason to change things. And I know with a firm determination we as a people can make a change in our country. I lived in Water house as a kid so I understand why people from a poor area think the way they do. I will say I was there once but I focus on educating myself to one day come out; so I can go back and help people who is stuck in that same mind set.