Increase in crime in Greece
2.12.2011
Question for written answer E-011713/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Konstantinos Poupakis (PPE)
According to recent Greek Police statistics, an unprecedented increase in crime has been recorded in Greece's major urban centres but also in the regions of the country. The result is that Greek citizens every day feel more insecure and unprotected.
More specifically, according to these statistics, criminal activity increased during the first months of 2011 compared to the corresponding period last year: theft and burglary have increased by 7.5 % and robbery by 5.1 %.
Moreover, according to official data of the General Police Directorate of Athens, at the end of 2010 there was a 45.45 % increase in murder and a 58.5 % increase in robbery compared to 2009.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
- —Does it have any official statistics on the crime rate in Greece and other Member States (from 2008 onwards), particularly as regards crime against property, such as robbery, burglary and theft?
- —In the light of estimates and/or studies, does the Commission believes that: a) the economic crisis which has become a social crisis in many Member States (lower incomes for citizens, a wide disparity between rich and poor, increased unemployment, etc.) has brought about an escalation of crime leading to a higher crime rate in Member States and that b) increased crime in some areas has a negative impact on economic activity (reduced consumption, closure of shops and businesses, etc.)?
- —As part of an exchange of best practices, which guidelines could be followed by countries like Greece with high crime rates in order to take drastic action to address this problem?
OJ C 285 E, 21/09/2012