Larceny/Theft: Further Reading

 Further Reading

Clarke, R.V., and Gohar Petrossian, G. (2012). Shoplifting 2nd Edition, Problem-Specific Guide Series No. 11. Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series, Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. Available at: https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/shoplifting-2nd-ed

Johnson, S.D., Bowers, K.J., Gamman, L., Mamerow, L., Warne, W. (2010). Theft of Customers' Personal Property in Cafés and Bars, Problem-Specific Guide Series No. 60. Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series, Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. Available at: https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/theft-customers-personal-property-caf%C3%A9s-and-bars

Johnson, S.D., Sidebottom, A., Thorpe, A. (2008). Bicycle Theft, Problem-Specific Guide Series No. 52. Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series, Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. Available at: https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/bicycle-theft-0

Kooi, B.R. (2010). Theft of Scrap Metal, Problem-Specific Guide Series No. 58. Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series, Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. Available at: asu.edu/content/theft-scrap-metal-0

Meini, B., Clarke, R.V. (2012). Gasoline Drive-Offs, Problem-Specific Guide Series No. 67. Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series, Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. Available at: https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/gasoline-drive-offs

Deciphering Retail Theft Data

From the report Deciphering Retail Theft Data Implications and Actions for Policymakers:

"This report explores the limitations of existing data and suggests ways for policymakers to get a better understanding of the problem. It uses New York City as a case study and shows how its challenges are similar to those in other cities. This paper also draws upon examples from other major cities that provide retail-theft data to highlight the commonalities and variations in how retail theft operates throughout the country and discusses some general strategies that could be used to address retail theft in cities across the country."

Check it out.

Trends in Larceny: What You Need to Know

The Council on Criminal Justice has published the fact sheet Trends in Larceny: What You Need to Know at this link.

"The rate of larcenies reported to United States law enforcement agencies peaked in 1995; it then fell steadily through 2021, dropping to levels last seen in the mid-1960s, before rising in 2022.

The share of reported larcenies that involve shoplifting from commercial establishments has nearly doubled since the mid-1970s, from 11% to 21%.

Juvenile arrest rates for larceny were significantly higher than adult arrest rates in the four decades from 1980 through 2019; in 2020, however, the adult rate was higher.

The clearance rate for larcenies hovered between 15% and 20% for most of the past 60 years, but rose to a high of 22% in 2013-2014 before dropping to a record low of 12% in 2022."

Larceny/Theft

Larceny refers to the specific methods, behaviors, and patterns that perpetrators use to commit theft of personal property without breaking into a home or business and without directly confronting the victim. Larceny is a term used interchangeably with theft.

Theft MO Variables

Objectives:

• Financial Gain: The primary motive is usually to obtain money or items that can be resold.

• Opportunism: Many acts of larceny occur when the perpetrator sees an unguarded item.

• Resource Gathering: Stealing items for personal use or as resources for other illegal activities.

Planning and Target Selection:

• Target Identification: Identifying easy targets, such as unattended belongings, shop items, or even livestock.

• Low Risk: Choosing targets with the lowest risk of getting caught, such as isolated areas or busy stores with limited surveillance.

• Information Gathering: May use casual observation, social interactions, or even online platforms to determine the location and availability of items to steal.

Tools and Equipment:

• Concealment Tools: Items like bags, clothing with hidden compartments, or tools to remove security tags in shops.

• Lookout Tools: Use of mirrors, periscopes, or accomplices to serve as lookouts.

 

Execution:

• Stealth and Speed: Quick and unnoticeable actions are employed to take possession of the item.

• Distraction: Creating a diversion or using social engineering techniques to distract the victim or store personnel.

• Concealment: Quickly concealing the stolen item on their person, in a bag, or transferring it to an accomplice.

Evasion:

• Quick Exit: Leaving the scene as quickly as possible once the item is secured.

• Blending In: Acting naturally or blending into the crowd to avoid arousing suspicion.

• Alternate Routes: Using different routes to evade any pursuers or surveillance cameras.

Aftermath:

• Fencing: Selling the stolen goods through various channels like pawnshops, online marketplaces, or directly to known associates.

• Destruction of Evidence: Removing any identifiable markings, tags, or other forms of identification from the stolen items.

Adaptation and Variation:

• Changing MO: Perpetrators may adapt or change their MO to avoid detection, especially if they become aware of increased scrutiny or security measures.

Common Larceny Crime Patterns

• Automobile Parts Theft: Stealing car parts from cars, such as tires, mirrors, or radios.

• Bicycle Theft: Stealing a bicycle that is locked up or unattended.

• Cell Phone Theft: Stealing mobile devices from individuals or stores.

• Construction Site Theft: Stealing tools, materials, or equipment from construction sites.

• Fuel Theft: Stealing gasoline or diesel fuel, often directly from vehicles.

• Garden Equipment Theft: Stealing equipment from residential or commercial gardens, such as lawnmowers or power tools.

• Jewelry Theft: Stealing jewelry from individuals or retail establishments.

• Mail Theft: Stealing mail from personal mailboxes or postal service boxes.

• Metal Theft: Stealing metals, often from industrial sites, to sell as scrap.

• Package Theft: Stealing delivered packages from someone's property.

• Petty Theft: The theft of items of relatively low value.

• Pickpocketing: Stealing from someone's person without their noticing.

• Purse Snatching: The act of stealing a purse from a person without force.

• Retail Employee Theft: Stealing from an employer, often merchandise or cash from a register.

• Shoplifting: The theft of merchandise from a retail establishment.

• Charity Box Theft: Stealing donations intended for charity.

• Coin-Operated Machines Theft: Stealing cash from vending machines, laundromats, or arcade games.

• Gym or Locker Room Theft: Stealing personal belongings from lockers or other areas in gyms, schools, or workplaces.

• Hotel/Motel Room Theft: Stealing property from hotel or motel rooms.

• Unattended Bag Theft: Stealing items from bags left unattended in public places.

• Theft from Vehicles: Stealing items from inside a parked vehicle.

• Baby Formula Theft: Stealing baby formula from retail stores, often to resell it.

• Electronic Device Theft: Stealing devices like laptops, tablets, or gaming systems.

• Office Equipment Theft: Stealing items like computers, printers, or office supplies from workplaces.

• Personal Care Item Theft: Stealing items like makeup, perfumes, or skincare products from retail stores.

• Power Tool Theft: Stealing power tools from construction sites, garages, or retail stores.

• Prescription Drug Theft: The act of stealing prescription medications, often directly from individuals, pharmacies, or medical facilities.

• Vehicle Accessories Theft: Stealing items like GPS devices, stereos, or custom accessories from vehicles.

Theft of and from Vehicles: Further Reading

Further Reading

Clarke, R. (2001). Thefts of and From Cars in Parking Facilities, Problem-Specific Guide No. 10. Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series. Washington, D.C.: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. Available at: https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/thefts-and-cars-parking-facilities-0

Keister, T. (2007). Thefts of and from Cars on Residential Streets and Driveways, Problem-Specific Guide Series No. 46.  Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series, Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice. Available at: https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/thefts-and-cars-residential-streets-driveways-0

YouTube: How Car Theft Actually Works

 

Link to video on YouTube: click here.

Tools Used in Vehicle Thefts

From the book Elements of Crime Patterns: 

Vehicle Theft: 

coat hangers, flashlights, glass cutters, gloves, lock picks, pliers, screwdrivers, Slim Jim, spark plugs, window punches