Crime is something that we are accustomed to seeing either in the headlines, on the closed-circuit surveillance cameras, or dramatized on the television screens, a robbery in a convenience store, a brutal attack in a quaint neighborhood, or some high-profile case of fraud.
However, we hardly stop to ask ourselves, what is the epicentre of some actions or behaviour?
Suppose a teenager is caught shoplifting. Under the cover, it appears to be a common crime. However, peel off a layer, and you could get hunger, neglect, or peer pressure. The same act, different story; another person can steal and do it just for the thrill.
Criminology encompasses not only the process of law and the courtroom but also the study of individuals and their psychology. It is, in essence, a psychological and sociological study of the cause of crimes by individuals.
According to Dr. John, “One of the things that I’ve been noted for in my field as a consultant on these cases is getting into the criminal’s worldview.”
“Ed Gein had a worldview that made sense to him, these fantasies and these urges that he had.”
Psychologists and police officers can research different forms of criminality, study its motives, prevent recidivism, and direct proper rehabilitation.
After all, not all crimes are based on evil intentions; some crimes are caused by trauma, desperation, or a distorted perception of reality.
7 Different Types of Criminal Behavior
1. Violent Crimes: The Psychology of Aggression and Control
Violent crimes are among the most disturbing and visible types of criminal offenses. These involve direct harm or threats of harm to another person. Common examples include homicide, assault, rape, and domestic violence.
Psychological Perspective:
Many violent offenders display traits of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, or psychopathy. Childhood trauma, abuse, or exposure to violence can shape an individual’s perception of conflict and power. According to criminal psychology, unresolved anger, poor coping mechanisms, and even neurobiological issues can contribute to these behaviors.
Examples of Violent Criminal Activities:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Assault and battery
- Armed robbery
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual assault
2. Property Crimes: Greed, Opportunity, and Socioeconomic Influence
Property crimes involve the theft, destruction, or illegal possession of someone else’s property without intent to cause physical harm. These are often considered less severe but remain highly prevalent.
Psychological Perspective:
Criminals involved in property crimes often rationalize their behavior due to economic hardship, addiction, or perceived inequality. Some may display antisocial tendencies, while others act out of impulsiveness or financial desperation.
Examples of Property-Related Criminal Activities:
- Burglary
- Larceny/theft
- Vandalism
- Arson
- Shoplifting
3. White-Collar Crimes: Calculated Minds Behind Non-Violent Offenses
White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses typically committed by individuals in professional or high-status positions. These involve deceit, fraud, or financial manipulation.
Psychological Perspective:
White-collar offenders often exhibit traits like narcissism, low empathy, and high cognitive ability. Unlike other types of criminals, they don’t act on impulse but plan meticulously, often believing they’re too smart to get caught.
Common White-Collar Criminal Activities:
- Embezzlement
- Insider trading
- Tax evasion
- Identity theft
- Corporate fraud
4. Organized Crime: The Psychology of Group Criminal Dynamics
Organized crime involves structured groups that systematically commit illegal acts, usually for financial gain. These groups operate with hierarchies, codes of conduct, and internal punishments.
Psychological Perspective:
The allure of power, status, and belonging often draws individuals into organized crime. For some, it’s an inherited lifestyle; for others, it offers the illusion of safety and control in unstable environments.
List of Criminal Activities Under Organized Crime:
- Drug trafficking
- Human trafficking
- Illegal arms dealing
- Racketeering
- Money laundering
5. Cybercrime: Virtual Crimes with Real-World Consequences
Cybercrime refers to criminal activities conducted through computers, networks, or the internet. It is one of the fastest-growing types of criminal behavior in the digital age.
Psychological Perspective:
Cybercriminals are often driven by anonymity, ideology, or thrill-seeking. Some fall into the category of “hacktivists,” while others are financially motivated or even state-sponsored.
Examples of Cybercrime:
- Hacking and phishing
- Ransomware attacks
- Online fraud and scams
- Identity theft
- Cyberstalking
6. Drug-Related Crimes: Addiction, Dependency, and Desperation
These crimes involve the possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of illegal substances. Drug-related offenses often overlap with other types of criminal offenses, like theft or assault.
Psychological Perspective:
Addiction plays a major role in this type of crime. Neuroscience suggests that substance dependency can alter brain chemistry, impair judgment, and reduce impulse control. Many drug offenders have underlying mental health issues.
Common Drug-Related Criminal Activities:
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Operating meth labs
- Prescription fraud
7. Sexual Offenses: Violations Rooted in Power and Control
Sexual offenses include crimes like rape, sexual assault, child molestation, and exploitation. These crimes inflict profound trauma on victims and often stem from power imbalances.
Psychological Perspective:
Offenders may suffer from distorted thinking patterns, personality disorders, or past trauma. Compulsions drive some, while others use sex as a means of dominance and humiliation.
As per Dr. John, on Ed Gein, “There was a lot of obsession with women; I think it went beyond recreating Mommy. He was excluded from learning about women, so I’m picking them apart.”
Examples of Sexual Criminal Activities:
- Rape and sexual assault
- Child pornography
- Sex trafficking
- Indecent exposure
8. Crimes of Morality: Offenses Against Social Norms
Often labeled as victimless crimes, these offenses violate societal norms or values. Examples include prostitution, public intoxication, or gambling.
Psychological Perspective:
Socio-environmental factors, addiction, or economic stress typically influence these crimes. In many cases, individuals committing these crimes may not even perceive their actions as harmful.
Examples of Moral Offenses:
- Prostitution
- Illegal gambling
- Public indecency
- Drug use in public
9. Inchoate Crimes: The Psychology of Intent
Inchoate crimes involve actions that are steps toward committing a crime but aren’t completed. These reveal the criminal behavior and intent behind actions.
Psychological Perspective:
Inchoate offenders often believe they can outsmart the system or lack the emotional regulation to reconsider their plans. These crimes are punished to prevent future harm.
Common Inchoate Offenses:
- Attempt
- Conspiracy
- Solicitation
10. Juvenile Delinquency: Early Onset Criminal Behavior
This refers to crimes committed by individuals under the age of 18. Juvenile delinquency spans from vandalism and truancy to violent crimes.
Psychological Perspective:
Young offenders are heavily influenced by peer pressure, dysfunctional families, and underdeveloped decision-making skills. Early interventions focusing on education and rehabilitation can make a significant difference.
Types of Juvenile Criminal Activities:
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism
- Drug use
- Assault
Criminal Mental Health: The Link Between Mind and Crime
Untreated mental illness can often lead to distorted thinking and criminal behavior. Disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or antisocial personality disorder can alter perceptions of reality.
These evaluations, often conducted by forensic psychologists, help courts determine legal sanity and capacity to stand trial.
The Role of Criminology: Classifying Crime to Understand It
Criminology as a discipline doesn’t just catalog crime, it deciphers it. By examining the different types of criminology such as biological, psychological, sociological, and environmental theories, experts can better understand the causes behind different criminal acts.
Main Classifications of Crime in Criminology:
- Personal crimes
- Property crimes
- Statutory crimes
- Financial crimes
- State crimes
- Transnational crimes
Final Thoughts
Examining the types of criminal behavior and underlying reasons for committing a crime, we stop judging it based solely on its surface state and instead begin to understand it more deeply. Crime, like everything, is unique, and just as no two crimes are committed for the same reason, there is no single solution for all offenders.
Rationalizing the categories of criminal behavior enables professionals to adjust their course of action, specifically whether to intervene, rehabilitate, or prevent.
By doing that, we start to re-conceptualize crime not only as an offense against law, but as a sign of something more fundamental; the psychological, social, or environmental. It is only due to this perspective that we can develop effective responses.