I agree - however when I speak to older people (ie my old folks) they seem to think things went on years ago but you just never heard about it that often (few papers, no TV or internet etc). Still not like it is now... I think years ago people had a disagreement, had a bit of a punch up then sat down and had a beer... now a days people go around stabbing people for 50p.
As sad as it sounds, I actually think more people getting better benefits (ie better dole money, more cash from the government if you have 10 kids etc) has meant a reduction in crime like burglaries... so I think compared to when I was a kid (so 20-30 years ago)... I think more people have things like plasma tellies, mobile phones etc through good money from the government they don't need to go out robbing stuff.