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Euro switch, economic growth, and property crimes in Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Alexi Thompson

    (South Carolina State University)

  • James J. Jozefowicz

    (Indiana University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

We study the effect of euro adoption on various property crimes for a group of Eurozone countries with data from 1993 to 2019. We hypothesize euro adoption has a positive association with home burglaries and robberies as the euro is relatively more valuable and mobile than pre-euro currencies. We offer a simple theoretical model to motivate the hypothesis. A dynamic panel data model is estimated by generalized method of moments (GMM) to account for endogeneity, measurement error, heteroskedasticity, and serial correlation. Our results indicate some evidence of a positive relationship between euro adoption and property crimes. Other countries considering euro adoption may find the results of our study informative.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexi Thompson & James J. Jozefowicz, 2024. "Euro switch, economic growth, and property crimes in Europe," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 343-362, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:iecepo:v:21:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s10368-024-00590-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10368-024-00590-3
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