NCJ Number
102134
Date Published
1982
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This analysis of data obtained in mid-1977 and late 1978 focuses on property crime patterns and the criminal activities of poor property offenders in Cali., Colombia.
Abstract
A general description of property crime in Colombia and Cali sets the context for the analysis of property crime committed by the poor, particularly theft, robbery, and con games, which constituted well over half the crimes committed in Cali in 1977 and 1978. The study identified 17 types of crimes committed by poor property offenders, all of which fall under the legal definitions of theft, robbery, and con games. The analysis of property-crime patterns considers conditions imposed on these patterns by organized crime prevention, poor property offender's motivation to commit crime, and their crime planning. Most victims of poor property offenders are poor, largely because the wealthy can afford crime prevention measures that deter poor offenders. The property crimes of poor offenders are principally motivated by their desire for social and material status in their neighborhoods. Poor offenders rarely organize or plan for their crimes, although small groups of offenders may band together for a few crimes. Case studies and 2 tables.