DESPITE HARSH LAWS AND A RIGIDLY ENFORCED SOCIAL ORDER, THE LEVEL OF CRIME AND CORRUPTION IN THE SOVIET UNION RUNS VERY HIGH. THE CRIME RATE IS THOUGHT TO BE HIGHEST IN URBAN AREAS AND NEW TOWNS, WITH MOST OFFENSES DIRECTED AGAINST PROPERTY. THE MAJORITY OF THE OFFENDERS ARE YOUNG, AND MANY OF THEM ARE ALCOHOL ABUSERS. SUCH FACTORS AS LACK OF RESPECT FOR LAW, ALCOHOL ABUSE, URBANIZATION, AND WESTERN INFLUENCES ARE BLAMED FOR THIS CRIME RATE INCREASE....DMC