Theft among the homeless

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Theft is unfortunately a common problem among the homeless population. There are several reasons why theft is prevalent among this group:

1. Lack of secure housing: Homeless individuals often lack a secure place to store their belongings, leaving them vulnerable to theft. They may have to carry all their belongings with them at all times, increasing the risk of theft.

2. Target for criminals: Homeless individuals are often seen as easy targets for theft. They may be perceived as having valuable items, such as cash or personal belongings, making them attractive to thieves.

3. Lack of protection: Homeless individuals may not have access to secure lockers or storage facilities to keep their belongings safe. This lack of protection makes them more susceptible to theft.

4. Survival mentality: Homeless individuals may resort to theft as a means of survival. They may steal food, clothing, or other necessities in order to meet their basic needs.

5. Lack of legal recourse: Homeless individuals may face barriers in reporting theft or seeking legal recourse. They may not have identification or a permanent address, making it difficult for them to file a police report or seek assistance.

6. Substance abuse issues: Substance abuse is prevalent among the homeless community, and individuals struggling with addiction may resort to theft to support their habits. The drug addiction of a certain population of the homeless is a very expensive habit. The drug addict will need hundreds of dollars a day. When you have nothing but a drug addiction, the necessity to steal is inevitable. They know the habits of other homeless. From where they sleep, when they are the most vulnerable, they even know when they have money. Whether it’s from a hand out to cashing in cans and bottles, or when they received there bi monthly cash from DSS. 

Addressing theft among the homeless requires a multifaceted approach that includes providing secure housing, access to storage facilities, and support for mental health and addiction issues. Additionally, community education and awareness can help reduce the stigma surrounding homelessness and foster a more supportive environment.