Throughout the world , crime is widespread in multiple cultures and countries. Otherwise, it's hard to find a concern focused in how to deal with this problem.
Historically, the laws and rules against crime, are related to the political or economical system of a nation. In the ancient Roman Empire, for instance, many robbers or murderers were transformed into slaves for a certain period or for their whole life.
However, currently, most western countries have created a prison system as their main strategy to combat acts of crime .
From this perspective, it's a hard punishment arresting a murderer, for example. However, most of the time there's insubstantial attempts to prevent crime through social education or other alternatives .
A state run prison system demands higher and higher taxes, but not very effective. In addition to this way, the government should try alternative ways to prevent crime rather than combating.
Finally, a solution, from this point of view, it's associating criminal issues with a big attempt in formal and informal education on society. Other preventative issues should focus on developing job opportunities and improving social assistance. Perhaps, instead of patching a problem, look at the root causes.