Methamphetamine-Related Crime
a Concern For Communities

Unfortunately for communities, the production and use of methamphetamine contributes to a number of other crimes.  Washington State respondents to the National Association of Counties survey reported that robbery/burglary (100 percent), identity theft (100 percent), domestic violence (82 percent), and assault (73 percent) have increased in their counties as a direct result of methamphetamine.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) report, Crime in Washington State for 2004, indicates that the rate of violent crime has remained constant since 2001 at 3.5 incidents per 1,000 population.  However, property crime totals for Washington State increased 3.4 percent between 2003 and 2004 and automotive theft increased 6.7 percent for the same time period.

Much of the crimes reported can be attributed to the users' need to fund their drug purchases.  To support their addictions, addicts will commit crimes such as purse snatching, strong-arm robberies, assaults with a weapon, burglaries, and thefts of motor vehicles.  However, many violent crimes are more likely a result of the pharmacological effects of methamphetamine use as methamphetamine abusers are the most dangerous and potentially violent when using.  According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), most drug-related crimes are not committed by individuals trying to pay for drugs; they are committed by people under the influence of drugs.

Domestic violence is common in homes where meth is used and the victims include children as well as adult partners.  The violence tends to be chronic and recurring over extended periods.

Reports indicate that the incidence of assault in Washington State has increased as a result of methamphetamine abuse.  Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system and can induce anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, mood swings, delusions, and violent behavior, particularly during the 'tweaking' stage of abuse.  During the commission of other crimes, methamphetamine abusers can become violent and, especially during the 'tweaking' phase, individuals can become violent without provocation.  It is during 'tweaking' that hostage situations can easily occur.  If the abuser feels cornered, with no means of escape, the 'tweaker' is likely to take a hostage, often an associate, a relative, or a police officer.  In extreme cases, the individual may physically assault a hostage.