Crime and the fear of crime lower the quality of life for many Australians, particularly the elderly, those living in poorer areas, damaged by crimes such as arson and vandalism. Crime is already costing the community thousands of millions of dollars per year in insurance company payouts, police courts and correctional costs, and the replacement of buildings and facilities caused by crimes such as arson and vandalism. The gaols are overflowing, and backlogs plague the courts. In tough economic times, however, governments are unwilling or unable to respond to public concern about rising crime rates by constantly increasing police numbers, spending more money on the courts, passing harsher