Using local administrative data from 1826 to 1936, we document the evolution of crime rates in 19th century France and … we estimate the impact of a negative income shock on crime. Our identification strategy exploits the phylloxera crisis … this shock to identify its impact on property and violent crime rates, as well as minor offences. Our estimates suggest …

show that in the cross-section dimension, crime and unemployment are positively associated. Second, we find that increases … in youth unemployment induce increases in crime. Using the predicted industrial structure to instrument unemployment, we … show that this effect is causal for burglaries, thefts, and drug offences. To combat crime, it appears thus that all …