An examination of the link between economic hardship and petty crimes in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Economic hardship is widely recognized as a critical driver of petty crimes, especially in regions where poverty and unemployment are pervasive. In Ovia North-East, Edo State, economic deprivation has been closely associated with an increase in minor criminal activities such as theft, burglary, and vandalism. Economic hardship creates an environment in which individuals, faced with limited opportunities and financial strain, may resort to petty crimes as a means of survival or as expressions of frustration (Eghosa, 2023). Studies suggest that when people lack access to stable income sources, they are more likely to engage in criminal behaviors that offer immediate, though illegal, economic relief (Igbinovia, 2024). Furthermore, the social fabric of communities experiencing economic downturns is often weakened, leading to a breakdown in social control and increased vulnerability to criminal activities (Obi, 2025). This study seeks to explore the relationship between economic hardship and petty crimes in Ovia North-East, examining both the direct economic incentives for crime and the broader social impacts. The analysis integrates economic theory with criminological perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of how financial stressors drive criminal behavior.
Statement of the Problem
Ovia North-East Local Government Area is beset by rising levels of petty crimes, a situation that many attribute to widespread economic hardship. The community’s struggle with high unemployment, low income, and limited access to financial resources has created conditions that foster criminal behavior (Eghosa, 2023). The resultant increase in petty crimes not only disrupts community life but also places additional burdens on law enforcement agencies, which are often ill-equipped to address the root causes of such behavior. Despite various interventions, the persistent link between economic deprivation and crime remains inadequately addressed. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating how economic hardship contributes to petty crimes, thereby providing insights for targeted economic and social policies to mitigate these issues (Igbinovia, 2024; Obi, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
-
To examine the relationship between economic hardship and the prevalence of petty crimes in Ovia North-East.
-
To identify the socio-economic factors that exacerbate criminal behavior in economically deprived areas.
-
To propose interventions aimed at alleviating economic hardship and reducing petty crimes.
Research Questions
-
How does economic hardship influence the incidence of petty crimes in Ovia North-East?
-
What socio-economic factors are most strongly associated with petty criminal behavior in the area?
-
What policy interventions can effectively reduce the impact of economic hardship on crime rates?
Research Hypotheses
-
Economic hardship is positively correlated with an increase in petty crimes in Ovia North-East.
-
Socio-economic deprivation significantly contributes to the likelihood of engaging in petty criminal activities.
-
Policy interventions aimed at improving economic conditions will result in a reduction in petty crimes.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it highlights the critical relationship between economic hardship and petty crimes in Ovia North-East. By elucidating the socio-economic drivers of criminal behavior, the research offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to design interventions that address both economic deprivation and crime prevention. The findings are expected to inform local economic development strategies and contribute to the broader discourse on crime reduction in impoverished communities (Eghosa, 2023; Igbinovia, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to exploring the link between economic hardship and petty crimes within Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State. It focuses on local economic conditions and crime records, which may not capture external influences.
Definitions of Terms
-
Economic Hardship: The condition of having insufficient financial resources to meet basic needs.
-
Petty Crimes: Minor criminal offenses typically involving theft, vandalism, or property damage.
-
Socio-Economic Factors: Social and economic conditions that influence individual behavior and community dynamics.
Related Project Materials
The Role of Tax Incentives in Promoting SME Growth in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Ogun State Industrial Hub
Background of the Study
Tax incentives are government policy tools designed to encourage economic activities by reducing th...
USE OF RAW MATERIALS INSPECTION AND ITS IMPACT ON QUALITY OF PRODUCTION
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out on the use of raw materials inspection and its impact on quality of production using...
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CLASSROOM TEACHER’S PEDAGOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCE ON THE TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS
EXCERPT FROM THE STUDY
As an aimed job, teaching enables the teacher to be interested in the devel...
An assessment of cultural identity among diaspora communities in Akure South Local Government, Ondo State
Background of the study:
Cultural identity among diaspora communities in Akure South is continuously shaped by the interpla...
Design of a Blockchain-Based Certificate Verification System for University Graduates: A Case Study of Kano State University of Science and Technology (Wudil LGA, Kano State)
Background of the Study
Certificate verification is an essential process in higher education, ensuring that university grad...
The Effect of Nurse-Led Education on Reducing the Transmission of Hepatitis C in Bauchi State
Background of the Study: Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and is transmitte...
A Comparative Analysis of Phonological Features in Nigerian Indigenous Languages: A Focus on Tonal Patterns
Background of the Study
Tonal patterns are a defining feature of many Nigerian indigenous languages, serving as crucial el...
EFFECTS OF CONVERGING AND DIVERGING KOLB-LEARNING STYLES ON PERFORMANCE IN ALGEBRA AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ZARIA , KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effects of converging and diverging Kolb – learning styles preference on the academic performa...
MOBILIZING THE YOUTH FOR SELF-HELP: AN ASSESSMENT OF SELF-HELP INITIATIVE
ABSTRACT
This research was carried out to study the relevance of community self-help initiatives to rural development in Nigeria with spe...
An evaluation of the implementation of sport education models in secondary schools in Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State
Background of the Study :
Sport education models represent innovative frameworks designed to enhance the teaching and learn...
