Altered States & the New Crime Wave

In 1725, there are over 7,000 gin shops in London. At a "flash house," you can drink all day for a penny; a second penny buys a straw mat in the back where you can sleep it off. The gin craze gives rise to a tremendous increase in property and violent crimes. Instead of getting to the heart of the problem, crime prevention strategies target offenders. Street lighting is improved, more watchmen and bailiffs are hired, and penalties for many crimes increase dramatically. Massive drinking and rioting become commonplace, but law enforcement authorities are far too few and ill-equipped to handle the situation.

Beggar's Opera