Violence and Violent Crimes in China

Abstract

Violence in China

The 2010 Bluebook of Legal Issues in China for the first time in 10 years reported an increase in the overall number of crimes in China in 2009. The Bluebook also reports significant increase in both violent and property crimes, among which criminal cases increased by 10% (5,300,000 cases in 2009) and public security cases increased by 20% (9,900,000 cases in 2009) from January 2009 to October 2009.

In the past 10 years, serious violent crimes, such as murder, rape, and robbery had been decreasing (Bakken, 2004; Liu, 2005; Trevaskes, 2006). This is the first time since 2001 violent crimes showed an increase according to the Bluebook. When causes of this increase are concerned, the Bluebook contribute it mainly to the economic depression, increased unemployment rates, enlarged economic inequality, and increased population under poverty, as well as a number of mass events occurred in 2009; economic depression and slack fiscal policies provides more criminal opportunities, especially for property crimes. The number of crimes of intentional homicide was in rise (Bakken, 1993); robbery, especially firearm robbery cases significantly increased, many along with hostage taking or victim killing. The number of bank robberies, however, decreased since 2002 due to increased preventive strategies taken by Chinese banks (Nestor, 2007; Wang, 2002; Williams & Godson, 2002). The Bluebook predicts a continuous increase in both violent and property crimes, as well as economic crimes in 2010.