BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Criminality is inherent in human nature and culture. As a result, no civilization can claim to be fully crime-free. However, the sorts of criminal behavior tend to follow the pattern of a society's social and economic growth. It is not surprising, however, that a society at a low level of development experiences an increase in the rate of violent crimes such as armed robbery, politically motivated killings, the use of illicit weapons, ethnic and religious confrontations, and so on (Ohijini 2005: 1).
Crime results in the loss of life and property, as well as an overpowering sense of unease. These have important implications for democracy, economic growth, social capital, and general associational life. The high incidence of crime undermines individual and social objectives for democracy, growth, human rights, and a good quality of life.
An increase in violent crime and delinquency is a frequent feature of transitional countries. This has been attributed to the uncontrollable nature of change in its early stages, the demobilization or dismantling of repressive security apparatuses used by previous authoritarian regimes to control crime, and unequal socioeconomic opportunities brought about by economic liberalization programs. What makes societies unique?
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Most Nigerians believe that the country's crime and insecurity levels are extremely high, and that crime has been on the rise in recent years. The Nigerian government is concerned with organized and non-organized crime, as well as associated vices such as smuggling of contrabands, particularly weapons, counterfeiting, money-laundering, armed robberies, kidnapping, auto hijacking, and human trafficking. Similarly, high-profile crimes, as well as politically motivated assassinations and kidnappings, have recently added to the country's criminal complexity.
The country's south-east seems to be the most damaged. In its editorial (July 5, 2010: 11), Newswatch Magazine labeled the south east zone as a no-go zone due to violent crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and assassination. According to Scroll Magazine (July 5, 2010: 13), the region has become a goldmine for hoodlums and criminal elements who have mastered the skill of kidnapping innocent people, including children, for large ransoms. Newswatch Magazine (July 5, 2010: 11) went on to say that all of this has resulted in a massive rise of crime and criminality in a place known for hard labor and quiet life.
On the recent kidnapping of four journalists in Abia Level on July 11, 2010, and the country's state of insecurity. This is how Dan Agbese (2010) explains it concisely.
"To declare the obvious and painful truth: we are all captives and possible victims of armed robbers and kidnappers." We live in cages with towering walls and iron gates. We drive with two eyes in front of us and two in the back of our heads. The wealthy are protected by armoured cars and armed police officers or private security guards. Our hearts are permanently in our mouths since, regardless of individual measures, we are collectively vulnerable across the country."
The government is on the danger of failing to maintain the vital constitutional obligation of protecting citizens' lives and property. If not controlled, the country's present push to fulfill Vision 20-20 and the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 might be jeopardized.
As a result, the study's problem is based on statistical analysis of crime report instances in Enugu State.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The general objective of the study is to find out, describe and analyse the report cases of crimes in Enugu State. Specifically, the study seeks to:
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following research questions guided the study:
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
The research hypotheses that guided this study are as follows:
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This is an empirical study on trends in criminal activities in Enugu State. The variables understudies are; the causes/motivations for crime, most prevalent forms of crime in the State, and the trend pattern over the period understudy (i.e 2000 to 2009)
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will be useful to law enforcement agencies
It will bring to the fore the causes, most prevalent form of crime, problems in fighting crime as well as possible solutions. This will help the law enforcement agencies in laying strong foundations in combating crime in the country.
This study will provide information on the depth of criminal activities and enable the government to know the need to ensure security to its citizens. It will create awareness on those barriers militating against proper security of lives and properties in major cities. The government will see the need to properly equip the security agencies and the need to provide incentives for the personnel for instance through seminars/workshops, regular in-service training, regular promotions and payment of salaries.
This will add to the body of knowledge on causes as well as trends in criminal activities in urban areas and will serve as a guide to other researchers who may have interest in crime study.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Crimes are frequently classified as
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