Actually I would say yes, it means that type of crime as well for certain people. When US politicians say they are "tough on crime" they mean "You are scared and you are angry about it, so I will hurt those people who make you scared and you will respect me for it. You won't feel less scared or angry, but you shall feel vindicated for feeling this way."
Tell someone that they are not getting a payrise this year because some punk downloaded an ebook and now the company is on the brink of bankruptcy (whether or not it is true). "Tough on crime" is a reference to who the politician is willing to hurt - it has nothing to do with criminal activity itself.
Tell someone that they are not getting a payrise this year because some punk downloaded an ebook and now the company is on the brink of bankruptcy (whether or not it is true). "Tough on crime" is a reference to who the politician is willing to hurt - it has nothing to do with criminal activity itself.