I've been addressing the matter of crime in one way or another since I started contributing for The O.P. years ago. It may seem that I have a fixation with the topic, but it's just the mindset that comes from living in the biggest city of one of the most violent countries in the world.

Crime tends to rise sharply during periods of economic and social decline such as the western world is going through. Though not a full scale SHTF, in its various forms it can be a serious threat to the standard of living and the quality of life of communities and populations. It's also a threat to corporations, businesses and institutions of nations.

I'm not an expert on the matter. However, besides contending with criminality and social violence in one way or another almost on a daily basis, I'm constantly researching and hanging out with LEOs and other professionals working in the field of public safety. I do that for personal interest, to improve mine and my family's situation, and also to share my learnings so others can prepare, too.

The cycle of crime

Crime and other forms of social violence are the first visible signs of economical and social decadence.