THEFTS AND ROBBERIES IN THE RURAL AREA OF TOLEDO/PR (2018-2022): AN ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMICS OF CRIME

Abstract

This article aims to present an analysis of economic crimes that occurred in rural properties in the municipality of Toledo (Paraná). The study covers the period from 2018 to 2022, considering the records of crimes that occurred within this timeframe. The objective is to understand the patterns of incidents in the two years prior to the pandemic (2018-2019), during the pandemic period (2020-2021), and in the transitional year following the pandemic (2022). To achieve the intended objectives, the methodology consists of documentary research, using Police Reports (BO's) registered and available through the Integrated System of the Civil Police of Paraná as the primary database. The findings reveal that theft was the most frequently reported crime in these rural properties, with criminals preferring to practice out illegal acts during the night, weekends, and the second semester. Notably, there was a decrease in the number of records during the peak of COVID-19 in 2020, attributable to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The stolen items during these incidents were diverse, with a focus on agricultural tools/utensils, animals (cattle/poultry/fish), household utensils, and other items for personal use. The economic theory of crime contributes to explain the migration of crime of a lucrative nature to rural areas.