[extropy-chat] again with the gun stats

[BillK]

On Sun Nov 30, 2003 03:28 pm Damien Broderick wrote:
> The Brits on the list will surely know in better detail.
>

One big problem in all these stats is that it is very difficult to
compare like with like. What is classified as 'violent crime' varies
greatly from country to country and even from state to state.

In the UK the 'horrifying' rise in violent street crime is mostly kids
nicking mobile phones off each other. And a lot of these are 'fake'
crimes. Mobile phones are a fashion item and they all want the latest
gear. So some thieving goes on, but many just toss them in the river and
claim they were stolen so they can get the latest new phone from the
insurance or gullible parents.

"Crime statistics show that in London:

  * In half of all street robberies, a mobile phone is stolen
  * In two thirds of those robberies, a mobile phone is the only item taken.
  * Fourteen- to 17-year-olds are the age group most likely to be
victims of street crime."


Summary statistics are only a general guide. You have to look behind the
20% increase or decrease to see what is really going on.

BillK