Authorities have been trying to determine exactly what is causing the recent spike in violent and petty crimes in the Twin Cities area. The police department in the area were baffled by what could be causing the crime increase and set out to find the answers we're all looking for. Several tactics were used to attempt to understand the outbreak such as numerous interviews being done with the victims and perpetrators of some of the crimes. Authorities looked at the reports and tried to find a common theme in hopes to find and stop whatever is triggering these episodes. After much work they came to a conclusion-- and the findings were truly shocking.
"After I landed in jail for the third time, I just couldn't take it anymore," a 30-year-old woman said. "I knew I had to do something."
It's not just adults who are affected. "I was running out of money and I'd been in the thick of it for four hours. I knew things weren't going to end well, and I had to act out," said a sixth grade student, through tears.
What was once a friendly game shared between children on rainy days, Monopoly now terrorizes communities in an intense battle for properties, staying out of jail and seeking riches. "It's both shocking and so simple," said a victim of arson. "I'm not sure how I didn't relate getting all of the rail roads and [my opponent] setting my kitchen on fire."
One set of photos from a graphic crime scene was released last week after a perpetrator launched into a seemingly unprovoked fit of rage. Below, although graphic, shows what many of the scenes looked like when authorities arrive to assess the situation.
Monopoly is proven to create aggressive or violent behavior, lashing out, agitation and a lack of sleep after staying up to finish the game. Monopoly's side affects make us question-- what brings it's players to start playing at all, and what causes the compulsion to keep playing after three days?
Since the outbursts, authorities have paired with local schools, counselors and jails in order to try and teach coping skills after being affected by the "game." Losing without Losing it: Monopoly and Self-Regulation is a support group for those affected. Authorities hope that putting these new outlets and resources in place will help to control some of the aggression and limit outbursts altogether.
If you or someone you know has been playing Monopoly, make sure to take precautions for your and others' safety. It's important to get help before an outburst.
