no such thing as an ultimate crime deterrent. if there is a big reward /carrot - u bet someone is going to RI$K their life. they gamble - & if they lose, they should take it on the chin.
but generally if punishment is weak and meek... crime is rampant. for example: australia. everyday someone is stabbed, robbed or molested. everyday some property somewhere is damaged, burnt, vandalised. just a way of life downunder.