Society

Sad reason crime rates in the elderly are rising in Japan

Feb 27 (unilad.com) - Japan has been experiencing a spike in crime rates among the elderly, and the reason may surprise you.

In 2019, the BBC reported on a senior crime wave, noting offenders over the age of 65 in Japan have been increasing steadily over the last two decades.

In 1997, the over-65s accounted for one in 20 convictions, but that number has grown to more than one in five 20 years later.

Interestingly, most of these are repeat offenders, with over a third of the 2,500 over-65s convicted in 2016 having had more than five previous convictions.

The reason for this surge in petty crimes among the elderly is linked to the cost of living and the lack of a support system for senior citizens.

Some resort to minor offences to secure a few months in prison, where they will be taken care of without burdening their families. ...continue reading

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