You make a bad choice the consequences are bad. Criminals today are taught by the judicial system that bad choices do not necessarily bring about bad consequences. A criminal only has two major risks. First that an arrest will be made and secondly that the judicial system will convict with just punishment. Looking at crime solely as a profession, criminals enjoy a great profession.
Lets take crimes against property.
Then his chances of a conviction or any long term punishment are even better than his chance of arrest. With this concept it is no big mystery why we are being eaten alive with crime in America. Criminals know exactly what their risks are, that is an important part of the profession. There was one violent crime every 22 seconds. In a twenty four hour day that translates to 3,927 violent crimes and 28,800 property crimes.