Increasing amount of crime (3)
I believe the answer is:
sin
'crime' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'increasing amount' is the wordplay.
'SIN' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sin that I've seen before include "Trespass" , "Pride, say" , "trip" , "Wicked deed" , "Fall from grace" .)