Stealing to Feed My Gambling Addiction
Unlike drug or alcohol addictions, most police forces in the country do not screen arrested suspects for gambling problems. Two offenders explain how it might have helped them.
Getting arrested by the police can be a life changing experience, a journey – that for some – could end in prison. Cases aren't always black-and-white, and all kinds of other, underlying issues can drive crime.
That is why it's routine for the police to screen suspects for signs of drug or alcohol addiction when they’re arrested.
But other problems are getting missed – like gambling addiction. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has found that fewer than half of the UK's 45 police forces ask suspects if they have a problem.
And even fewer have follow-up support in place.
In this episode of the 5 Minutes On podcast – the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's North of England reporter, Rowan Bridge, speaks to two men who have served time for crimes they committed at a time when they were addicted to gambling. They believe earlier police intervention could have helped them.
(Image: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ)
