Cryptocurrency and cash-free aren’t the same things – but the net result is the same whether you use cards or a bitcoin – you don’t have cash in your wallet. In the best-case scenario that can be freeing to just swipe or tap from your phone – and the transaction is complete. The worst case scenario – I’m going to save for another day – the point is that cashless is here to stay and eventually dominate. Which leads us to the conversation today – what has been the impact on crime in general and street crime in particular?
Dr. Richard Wright is Regents’ Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Georgia State University. He has written widely on matters related to crime and justice.