It's not a coincidence. More crime means more votes. Create the problem and sell you the solution that's just out of reach. "$NEW_GUY's plan will take effect immediately after election. He will work tirelessly to solve $PROBLEM (we created), unlike $BAD_GUY (who promised the same thing 4 years ago), whose tired old policies are no good for $GEOGRAPHIC_AREA. Vote smart, vote $GOOD_GUY $YEAR. Paid for by the committee to elect $GOOD_GUY."