Reducing Crime: A Demand for Reduction Perspective

• NCJ Number: 194816
• Journal: Law and Order Volume: 50 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 114-120
• Author(s): Ross Swope
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the role of law enforcement in reducing crime, specifically stolen property through a proactive approach to property crime that targets the demand side (the receivers of stolen property) of the market instead of the reactive supply side.

Abstract

It is estimated that 15 billion dollars worth of stolen property ends up in circulation within the general public. The traditional response to property crimes by law enforcement has been reactive, responding to the scene, filing a report, and conducting an investigation. However, due to the significant number of property crimes typically exceeding the abilities of departmental resources and the crimes resulting in the absence of witnesses the reactive approach becomes a major limitation. This article discusses an alternative approach that uses the proactive police approach to property crime. The proactive approach targets the demand side of the stolen property market or those receivers/sellers of the stolen property, as opposed to the thieves. If there is an absence of someone to purchase or convert the stolen property, the act of stealing becomes less appealing. This intimate relationship between the thief and the seller is powerful and useful to law enforcement. In order to implement an effective proactive approach with a goal aimed at the demand side of property crime, law enforcement must understand how the market works and how the stolen property passes to new owners. This article focuses on understanding the stolen property market, understanding the receiver side of the demand, and the strategies and tactics to reduce the incidence of receiving stolen property. By disrupting the market for stolen property, increasing the difficulty to convert stolen property, and raising the level of risk for the offender and receiver can prevent these crimes. So, the directing of resources at the demand side of property crimes can result in crime reduction.