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.