NCJ Number
156447
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1995) Pages: 400-416
Date Published
1995
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the possible effects of the market for stolen goods, the process of buying stolen goods, and insurance against theft on levels of acquisitive crime.
Abstract
The paper suggests a hitherto neglected link between approaches to understanding and controlling crime which focus upon the criminal event, and those which seek to do the same by concentrating upon the structural reasons for criminality. The author identifies a number of plausible processes that together suggest there is a complex interconnected relationship between the mechanisms involved in buying and selling stolen goods, burglary, and other theft. Knowledge of demand for second-hand goods may affect decisions to begin stealing, to continue stealing, where to steal, and what to steal. As changes in society influence the manufacture, advertising, desirability, levels of ownership, and demand for certain goods, these goods in turn become suitable targets for theft and resale to those who cannot afford or do not wish to pay high legitimate prices. The author hopes that this paper will provide some impetus for research into the effect of demand for second-hand goods on levels of burglary and other thefts, leading to the development of new methods of crime prevention. Figure, table, footnotes, references