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Updated Mar 15, 2026

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2 pages

Why Crimes Go Unreported: Personal and Social Reasons (AC1.2 Criminology)

Luna

@adhdluna_

Unreported crimes, known as the "dark figure of crime," are... Show more

# AC1.2: Explain the reason that
certain crimes are unreported

There are two ways in which crimes are reported in the UK: either by reporti

Social and Cultural Reasons for Unreported Crimes

Lack of knowledge about what constitutes a crime or how to report it is a significant factor. This is particularly relevant for complex or emerging crimes such as cybercrime.

Vocabulary: White-collar crimes refer to financially motivated, nonviolent crimes typically committed by business and government professionals.

Media coverage plays a crucial role in public awareness of crimes. The bias in media reporting can lead to certain types of crimes being underreported or ignored.

Highlight: Media tends to focus on high-profile cases like stabbings or murders, often neglecting less sensational crimes such as white-collar offenses.

Public concern, or lack thereof, can influence crime reporting rates. If a particular crime is not causing public concern, it is less likely to be reported.

Example: Changing public attitudes towards cannabis use have led to decreased reporting of this technically illegal activity in many places.

Culture-bound crimes present a unique challenge to crime reporting. These are practices that are illegal in the country but may be seen as customs within certain communities.

Definition: Culture-bound crimes are illegal activities that are accepted or tolerated within specific cultural or community contexts.

Example: Culture bound crime examples include honor killings, female genital mutilation (FGM), and forced marriages.

Understanding these social and cultural factors is crucial for addressing the consequences of unreported crime and developing strategies to improve crime reporting rates.

Personal Reasons for Unreported Crimes

One significant reason for not reporting crimes is the fear of reprisals. This is particularly common when the victim knows the offender, as in cases of domestic abuse. Victims may worry about further crimes being committed against them as punishment for reporting to the police.

Example: The Rhys Jones murder case illustrates how fear of repercussions can affect crime reporting. A witness known as "Boy M" was granted anonymity in exchange for information, highlighting the importance of protecting informants.

Shame is another personal factor that can prevent crime reporting. Victims of rape or child abuse may be too ashamed to admit what happened to them, leading to underreporting of these serious crimes.

Highlight: Personal reasons for not reporting crime Criminology include fear, shame, and lack of personal impact or interest.

Witness disinterest can also contribute to unreported crimes. People who witness minor offenses like underage smoking, drug use, or disorderly conduct may be unwilling to go through the reporting process.

Example: The informal holiday of Mischief Night, where vandalism occurs the day before Halloween, often goes unreported due to its perceived normalization and lack of personal impact on witnesses.

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Criminology

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3,968

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Updated Mar 15, 2026

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2 pages

Why Crimes Go Unreported: Personal and Social Reasons (AC1.2 Criminology)

Luna

@adhdluna_

Unreported crimes, known as the "dark figure of crime," are a significant issue in criminology. Personal reasons for not reporting crime Criminology include fear of reprisals, shame, and lack of interest. Social and cultural factors also contribute to why do... Show more

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Social and Cultural Reasons for Unreported Crimes

The second page of the transcript delves into social and cultural reasons that contribute to why do crimes go unreported criminology. These factors often involve broader societal issues and perceptions.

Lack of knowledge about what constitutes a crime or how to report it is a significant factor. This is particularly relevant for complex or emerging crimes such as cybercrime.

Vocabulary: White-collar crimes refer to financially motivated, nonviolent crimes typically committed by business and government professionals.

Media coverage plays a crucial role in public awareness of crimes. The bias in media reporting can lead to certain types of crimes being underreported or ignored.

Highlight: Media tends to focus on high-profile cases like stabbings or murders, often neglecting less sensational crimes such as white-collar offenses.

Public concern, or lack thereof, can influence crime reporting rates. If a particular crime is not causing public concern, it is less likely to be reported.

Example: Changing public attitudes towards cannabis use have led to decreased reporting of this technically illegal activity in many places.

Culture-bound crimes present a unique challenge to crime reporting. These are practices that are illegal in the country but may be seen as customs within certain communities.

Definition: Culture-bound crimes are illegal activities that are accepted or tolerated within specific cultural or community contexts.

Example: Culture bound crime examples include honor killings, female genital mutilation (FGM), and forced marriages.

Understanding these social and cultural factors is crucial for addressing the consequences of unreported crime and developing strategies to improve crime reporting rates.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

Personal Reasons for Unreported Crimes

The first page of the transcript discusses various personal reasons why certain crimes may go unreported in the UK. These reasons contribute to the "dark figure of crime," which refers to crimes that are not reported to the police or captured by crime surveys.

One significant reason for not reporting crimes is the fear of reprisals. This is particularly common when the victim knows the offender, as in cases of domestic abuse. Victims may worry about further crimes being committed against them as punishment for reporting to the police.

Example: The Rhys Jones murder case illustrates how fear of repercussions can affect crime reporting. A witness known as "Boy M" was granted anonymity in exchange for information, highlighting the importance of protecting informants.

Shame is another personal factor that can prevent crime reporting. Victims of rape or child abuse may be too ashamed to admit what happened to them, leading to underreporting of these serious crimes.

Highlight: Personal reasons for not reporting crime Criminology include fear, shame, and lack of personal impact or interest.

Witness disinterest can also contribute to unreported crimes. People who witness minor offenses like underage smoking, drug use, or disorderly conduct may be unwilling to go through the reporting process.

Example: The informal holiday of Mischief Night, where vandalism occurs the day before Halloween, often goes unreported due to its perceived normalization and lack of personal impact on witnesses.