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planetguy: during periods of extreme economic suffering, there is an increase in all kinds of criminal activity as many people are driven to desperation -- regular folk as well as professional criminals.

Consider the case of the US during the Great Depression, which "brought a rapid rise in the crime rate as many unemployed workers resorted to petty theft to put food on the table. Suicide rates rose, as did reported cases of malnutrition. Prostitution was on the rise as desperate women sought ways to pay the bills. Health care in general was not a priority for many Americans, as visiting the doctor was reserved for only the direst of circumstances. Alcoholism increased with Americans seeking outlets for escape, compounded by the repeal of prohibition in 1933."[1]

Some of the most audacious criminals in US history, like John Dillinger and Bonnie and Clyde, rose to fame during the Great Depression of the 1930's.

[1] http://www.ushistory.org/us/48e.asp