According to a new study published by the Urban Institute , the spreading popularity of portable high-tech consumer electronics such as the Apple iPod could be a contributing factor in the nationwide increase of violent crime throughout the Unites States.
Study suggests rise in violent crime is connected to popularity of the iPod. Credit: KokoGiak/Flickr.
FBI crime rates show that statistics in the US experienced a considerable jump in 2005, which ties in with the time that Apple iPod sales increased significantly following the launch of the video-capable iPod, which the study suggests is notable seeing as crime rates had been steadily dropping prior to that point.
Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, has outlined that the continuing decline of vehicular and home-based crime could be representative of criminals focusing on the relatively easy attainment of highly desirable consumer electronics from people in the street.
While the iPod is but one of many MP3 players or similarly trend-led portable devices being carried by a great number of today’s consumers, its market dominance and hugely distinctive white headphones perhaps mark it out as an easier and more recognisable target when compared to other music players or mobile phones.
John Roman, author of the Urban Institute study, conceded that any link between increasing violent crime rates and iPod use is only indirect seeing as police records are not always accurate enough regarding the specifics of a crime. Roman further suggests that it may never be possible to isolate such a link due to victims never fully knowing why they were targeted.
The Washington Post reports that during a panel discussion between technology and police experts at the Urban Institute, many participating commentators offered that portable high-tech consumer products should be equipped with better personal security features in order to discourage their theft.
Further to that, it has also been suggested that manufacturers are unlikely to implement any such security elements seeing as victims are often likely to replace their stolen devices with new models, thereby boosting sales.
Scott ReeceMar 6th, 2008 - 22:56:48
The Reagan administration eliminated the use of Medicaid funds for abortions in the mid 1980's. The unwanted and uncared for urban children that resulted from that action are now coming of age. That, not IPods is the more likely cause of the rise in violent crime.
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