How would you feel if your house was broken into by a burglar or if you saw someone being shot? Many children around the world often experience crimes like these.

‘I am very concerned about crime in my community,’ says Kishana, 11, from Jamaica. ‘Too many people have been shot dead, and the police seem unable to catch the gunmen. People are very afraid and tourists don’t want to come to visit Jamaica.’

Jamaica has one of the world’s highest murder rates - there were 1,145 reported murders in 2004. This is often linked to the illegal sale of weapons like guns and drugs. Something else that stands out in Jamaica is the fact that there are some very rich people and lots of very poor people. Crime is often worst in poor areas, called ‘ghettos’, like those in parts of the capital, Kingston.

‘A few nights ago there was a drive-by shooting in my community,' Opal, 12, who lives in Kingston, tells Global Gang. 'Two men were shot dead and one was injured. Residents have said they are afraid to come out at night in case the gunmen return.'

But things are improving in some places. ‘Since late last year there has been peace and calm in my community. There haven’t been many killings or crimes committed,’ explains Roshane, 11.

Crime is a problem all over the world. About half the people living in Kenya in eastern Africa have to survive on a measly 57p/82 Euro cents a day. Yet a small number of people in his country are incredibly rich.

Samuel, 13, is from Kenya. He recently became a victim of crime himself. ‘Last month I was walking home from school, when two young boys came up behind me and grabbed my bag,’  he tells us. ‘They then jumped into a car and sped off. I never saw them or my bag again.'

‘Thieves broke into my uncle’s house and almost everything was stolen’, adds Ignatius, 12. ‘Thieves are bad people and I hope they are all caught and put in jail.’  

Global Gang wants to know what you think about crime. Have you or your family been the victim of a crime? It is never right to steal or kill - but if so many people in the world weren’t very poor, there would probably be less crime. Why do you think people commit crimes?