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I think either your looking through a romantic lens at modern-day crime, or perhaps the AU crime definition differs a quite bit from that in the U.S.If the reward were not worth the risk they would not risk it. Just because you think the risk is not worth it does not mean they agree.
The vast majority of crimes in America are not jewelry store heists or bank jobs, but rather low-level crap like DUIs, drug possession, domestic violence, drunken assault, etc. These are things not even leading to profit incentives.
As to profit motivated crimes like theft and burglary, a great many or most of those are often small-time crimes of opportunity, rather than being well-planed planned substantial heists.
All the crimes above are not crimes leading to income providing a sustainable lifestyle. And yes, those individuals that operate above in an attempt to make a profit are generally either stupid people, often under the influence of drugs or narcotics, or are so economically desperate they will risk going to prison for a few peanuts.
So I'm saying the great majority of these crimes are definitely not profitable, at least in terms of competing with a job.
There seems to be a possible exception though, and that is drug dealing. It seems to be profitable at virtually every level. And it seems there are some people than can succeed at it for substantial periods of time, though most eventually do pay a very severe price sooner or later if they continue with it as an occupation.
As seen above above, I'd be willing to bet that those that do crimes as a successful method of support are very few and far between. I'd doubt they can make up much more than a few percent of all criminal activity. The guy in your local courthouse is most likely your neighbor for his DUI, or his kid for reckless speeding or small-time drug possession.
And another aside. If newspaper accounts are to be believed, bank robberies in America have become extremely low paying. In my city, it seems they range from several hundred dollars, to less than two grand. That's a pretty low payoff to have your picture blasted across the news, and the FBI on your tail asking for public assistance. Bank branches in America no longer have armed guards for good reason: There's not enough cash anymore, to make it worth hiring a guard!