ATF. 2020 Arson Incident Report (AIR). Retrieved at: https://www.atf.gov/file/155146/download
Canter, D., Fritzon, K. (1998). Differentiating arsonists: A model of firesetting actions and characteristics. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 3(1), 73-96.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8333.1998.tb00352.x
Arson involves the intentional act of starting a fire with the purpose of causing damage or harm. Arsonists set fire to buildings, wild areas, vehicles, or other property.
Financial Gain: Insurance fraud is where the perpetrator sets fire to property to collect insurance money.
Revenge or Emotional Release: Personal grievances or emotional disturbances can drive the act.
Terrorism or Political Goals: Ideologically motivated arson aimed at creating fear or advancing political objectives.
Destruction of Evidence: Used as a means to destroy evidence of another crime.
Target Selection: The choice of target may be random or well-planned, based on ease of access, likelihood of total destruction, and potential for evading detection.
Timing: Off-peak hours or when the building is unoccupied are often chosen to minimize witnesses and maximize damage.
Reconnaissance: Surveillance of the target to understand its vulnerabilities may be involved in more organized forms of arson.
Accelerants: The use of flammable liquids or substances to hasten the fire.
Ignition Devices: Simple matches, electrical devices, or more sophisticated timers may be used.
Placement: Where the fire is started in the building or property can indicate the arsonist's level of knowledge and objectives.
Incendiary Method: The specific way the fire is set, such as pouring gasoline in a pattern, using a Molotov cocktail, or rigging an electrical fire.
Exit Strategy: Quick escape routes are often pre-identified to evade immediate capture.
Accomplices: Sometimes multiple individuals are involved in planning and execution.
Informants: In organized criminal networks, third parties may provide key information about targets.
Disguise or Concealment: Perpetrators may try to make the arson look accidental or like an electrical fire.
Alibis: Constructing solid alibis for the time of the arson to mislead investigators.
Avoidance of Surveillance: Evading CCTV cameras or witnesses during both the planning and execution stages.
Resale of Property: In cases of insurance fraud, once the insurance money is collected, the property may be rebuilt and sold.
Pattern Avoidance: Serial arsonists may alter their MO to avoid detection and apprehension.
set distinctly separate fires, trailers/streamers of combustibles used to spread fire, consistent point of origin , consistent burn pattern, ignited fire in trash can, ignited fire in building, ignited fire in vehicle, indicators of professional arsonist, indicators of amateur arsonist, unidentifiable point of origin of fire, blocked/obstructed entry/exit, disabled sprinklers/alarms, covered or blocked windows, broken windows/doors, multiple items fired, altering natural gas flow, altering electrical system, forcible entry, multiple ignition points
Tools & Equipment Variable Examples
used matches to start/spread the fire, used lighter to start/spread the fire, used an accelerant to start/spread the fire, used a torch to start/spread fire, used a tool to start/spread the fire, used debris to start/spread the fire, used wood for fuel, used paper for fuel, used gasoline for fuel, used kerosene for fuel, used propane for fuel, used alcohol for fuel, used benzene for fuel, used petroleum ether for fuel, used naphtha for fuel, used turpentine for fuel, used chemicals for fuel, used flammable gas for fuel, used a time-delayed device, used candles as a time-delayed device, used electrical equipment to set fire, used explosive device, used improvised incendiary device, used Molotov cocktail
Seeks out locations with limited surveillance or visibility
Conducts arson during specific weather conditions (high wind, low humidity)
Targets locations based on specific religious, ethnic, or cultural identities
Used distraction tactics (setting a smaller fire elsewhere to draw attention away from main target)
Used remote/digital methods to trigger the fire (such as hacked IoT devices)
Consistent time of arson occurrence (time of day, day of the week)
Used smoking materials to start the fire (cigarettes, cigars)
appeared to surveil target
appeared to cover up arson
appeared to conceal another crime
entered/exited/escaped through window
entered/exited/escaped through door
entered/exited/escaped through roof
possible return to the scene
removal of valuables/pets before fire was set
disguising a burglary
disguising a vehicle theft
theft from premises
suspicious questioning prior to arson
suspicious social media messages prior to arson
suspicious or unattended items prior to arson,
communication/claims made by the arsonist
suspicious social media messages prior to arson,
suspicious or unattended items prior to arson
appeared to divert attention from another crime
non-local or transient offender
the arsonist with a recognizable modus operandi
the arsonist that leaves symbolic or message-based evidence at the crime scene
rebellious adolescent firesetter
gang-affiliated firesetter
serial arsonist
juveniles operating as a group
firefighter arsonist
financially motivated adult firesetter
fire-setting as a learned behavior
criminal record for other offenses
indications of family problems or instability
employment history in related fields (fire services, construction)
arsonist showing signs of remorse or guilt
claiming innocence despite evidence
denial or minimization of the arson
blaming others for the arson
history of recent loss or trauma
interest in media coverage of fires
showing a fascination or unusual interest in fires/firefighting
showing signs of stress or personal crisis at the time of the arson
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
