Property

The term property in this chapter refers to the things stolen, damaged, or destroyed in a criminal act. Crime patterns often involve property.

The property lists in this book were adapted from the 2021.1 National Incident-Based Reporting User’s Manual.  

The author added some variables to the categories; these follow the word additions in the sections where they were added. The NIBRS User’s Manual also includes buildings as property, because in arson and vandalism, they are property targets. 

Targeted Structure Types Variable Examples: single dwelling residence, other residence, commercial structure, industrial structure, public structure, storage structure, farm/agricultural building, transportation structures (vehicles, trains/ships), targeted inhabited building, targeted vacant building, targeted specific business type

While the NIBRS categories included for readers of this book already exist, the users of this information usually are the workers who are tasked with the administrative chore of coding reports to comply with statistical reporting requirements. Those collecting, analyzing, and investigating  do not use this NIBRS list to consider crime patterns identification or as a starting point for searching for property crime patterns. 

The NIBRS manual requests law enforcement agencies document the outcome of property crimes. These elements can be helpful for crime pattern recognition and identification: none  (no outcome), burned (includes damage caused in fighting the fire), counterfeited/forged, destroyed/damaged/vandalized, recovered (to impound property that was previously stolen), seized (to impound property that was not previously stolen), stolen/etc. (includes bribed, defrauded, embezzled, extorted, ransomed, robbed, etc.), unknown

Property Types

Financial/Valuables-Related Property

Money: any circulating medium of exchange, legal tender, currency; coins, paper money, demand deposits, etc.; counterfeited currency

Purses/Handbags/Wallets: bags or pouches used for carrying articles such as money, credit/debit cards, keys, photographs, and other miscellaneous items; briefcases, fanny packs, and backpacks when used as a purse or wallet

Credit/Debit Cards: cards and/or the account number associated with the cards that function like a check and through which payments or credit for purchases or services are made electronically to the bank accounts of participating establishments directly from the cardholders’ accounts; automated teller machine (ATM) cards, electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, gift cards (included here but not by FBI)

Negotiable Instruments: documents, other than currency, that are payable without restriction; an unconditional promise or order of payment to a holder upon issue, possession, on demand, or at a specific time; endorsed checks (including forged checks that have been endorsed), endorsed money orders, endorsed traveler’s checks, bearer checks, and bearer bonds

Non-Negotiable Instruments:  documents requiring further action to become negotiable; unendorsed checks, money orders, traveler’s checks, stocks, bonds, blank checks, etc. 

Jewelry/Precious Metals/Gems: articles made of gold, silver, precious stones, etc. used for personal adornment; bracelets, necklaces, rings, watches, platinum, loose gems, etc. Luxury watches such as Rolex.

Collections/Collectibles: objects that are collected because they arouse interest due to being novel, rare, bizarre, or valuable; fine art objects, stamp/baseball/comic book collection

Transportation-Related Property

Aircraft:  machines or devices capable of atmospheric flight; airplanes, helicopters, dirigibles, gliders, ultra- lights, hot air balloons, blimps, etc.

Aircraft Parts/Accessories: parts or accessories of an aircraft, whether inside or outside (does not include aircrafts that are intact or model/toy planes)

Automobiles: any passenger vehicles designed for operation on ordinary roads and typically having four wheels and a motor with the primary purpose of transporting people other than public transportation; sedans, taxicabs, minivans, sport-utility vehicles, limousines, and other similar motor vehicles. Luxury vehicles such as Ferrari, Lamborghini. 

Trucks: motor vehicles which are specifically designed, but not necessarily used, to transport cargo on a commercial basis, or vehicles designed for transporting loads

Buses: motor vehicles specifically designed, but not necessarily used, to transport groups of people on a commercial basis; trolleys, school/coach/tourist/double-decker buses, commercial vans, etc.

Other Motor Vehicles: motorized vehicles that do not fit the definition of automobile, bus, truck, or recreational vehicle; motorcycles, motor scooters, trail bikes, mopeds, snowmobiles, motorized golf carts, motorized wheelchairs, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, etc.

Recreational Vehicles: motor vehicles that are specifically designed, but not necessarily used, to transport people and provide them temporary lodging for recreational purposes; motor homes

Trailers: transportation devices designed to be hauled by a motor vehicle; truck trailers, semi-trailers, utility trailers, farm trailers, etc.

Watercraft: vehicles used in the water, propelled by a motor, paddle, or sail; motorboats, sailboats, canoes, fishing boats, jet skis, etc.

Watercraft Equipment/Parts/Accessories: watercraft equipment or accessories that are used for the crafts’ maintenance or operation; buoys, life preservers, paddles, sails

Vehicle Parts/Accessories: items attached to the inside or outside of a vehicle; motor vehicle batteries, engines, transmissions, heaters, hubcaps, tires, radios, CD/DVD players, automotive global positioning system (GPS) navigation systems, Radar Device, etc.

Bicycles: vehicles usually propelled by pedals, connected to the wheel by a chain, and have handlebars for steering and a saddle-like seat; tandem bicycles, unicycles, and tricycles

Resource Property

Fuel: products used to produce energy; coal, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, natural gas, oil, etc.

Chemicals: substances with distinct molecular compositions that are produced by or used in chemical processes; herbicides, paint thinner, insecticides, industrial or household products, solvents, fertilizers, lime, mineral oil, antifreeze, etc.

Metals, Non-Precious: base metals or alloys possessing luster, malleability, ductility, and conductivity of electricity and heat; ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as iron, steel, tin, aluminum, copper, brass, copper wire, copper pipe, etc.

Weapons and Law Enforcement Property

Firearms: weapons that fire a projectile by force of an explosion; handguns, rifles, shotguns, assault rifles, semiautomatics, homemade guns, flare guns, etc.

Weapons – Other: weapons not classified under other categories; knives, swords, nunchakus, brass knuckles, crossbows, bows and arrows, pepper spray, Tasers, sling shots, “BB” guns, pellet guns, gas-powered guns, paintball guns, etc.

Explosives:  devices that explode or cause an explosion; bombs, dynamite, Molotov cocktails, fireworks, ammunition, etc.

Firearm Accessories: items used in conjunction with a firearm to improve ease of use or maintenance; gun belts, cases, cleaning tools/equipment, targets, aftermarket stocks, laser sights, rifle/spotting/handgun scopes

Law Enforcement Equipment: anything specifically used by LE personnel during the performance of their official duties; vests, uniforms, handcuffs, flashlights, nightsticks, badges, etc.; canines (K-9s), horses, Tasers, etc.

Farm Property

Farm Equipment: any kind of machinery used on a farm to conduct farming; tractors, combines, etc.

Livestock: domesticated animals raised for home use or profit; cattle, chickens, hogs, horses, sheep, bees, household pets such as dogs and cats if commercially raised for profit; animals raised and/or used for illegal gambling, e.g., dogs, roosters, etc. Purebred dogs, exotic pets (parrots, reptiles), show animals such as horses/racehorses.

Crops: cultivated plants or agricultural produce grown for commercial, human, or livestock consumption and use that is usually sold in bulk; grains, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, cotton (not illegal crops) 

Goods

Household Goods: items normally used to furnish a residence; furniture, appliances, utensils, air conditioning/heating equipment, mailboxes, household lighting, etc. 

Consumable Goods: expendable items used by humans for nutrition, enjoyment, or hygiene; food, non-alcoholic beverages, grooming products, cigarettes, firewood, etc.

Clothes/Furs: garments for the body, articles of dress, wearing apparel for human use; accessories such as belts, shoes, scarves, ties, etc.; eyewear/glasses, hearing aids, etc.

Addition: Luxury Goods: designer clothing and accessories

Building and Equipment Property

Lawn/Yard/Garden Equipment: equipment used for maintaining and decorating lawns and yards; mowers, line trimmers, tools, tillers, etc. 

Office-type Equipment: items normally used in an office or business setting; calculators, cash registers, copying machines, facsimile machines, shredders, etc.

Heavy Construction/Industrial Equipment: large-scale equipment used in the construction of buildings, roads, etc.; cranes, bulldozers, steamrollers, oil-drilling rigs, backhoes, excavators, etc.

Logging Equipment: equipment specifically used by logging industry personnel during the performance of their duties; choker cables, binders, blocks, etc.

Medical/Medical Lab Equipment: equipment specifically used in the medical field; X-ray machines, testing equipment, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machines, ultrasound machines, wheelchairs, stethoscopes, etc.

Building Materials: items used to construct buildings; lumber, concrete, gravel, drywall, bricks, plumbing supplies, uninstalled windows, uninstalled doors, etc.

Tools: hand-held implements that are used in accomplishing work; hand and power tools

Documents and Identity 

Documents/Personal or Business includes affidavits, applications, certificates, credit card documents, savings account books, titles, deposit slips, pawn shop slips, patents, blueprints, bids, proposals, personal files, and U.S. mail

Identity Documents: formal documents and/or their numbers that provide proof pertaining to a specific individual’s identity; passports, visas, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, alien registration cards, voter registration cards, etc.

Identity – Intangible: sets of characteristics or behavioral or personal traits by which an entity or person is recognized or known; damaged reputation, disclosed confidential information, etc.

Electrical/Technology Property

Computer Hardware/Software: electrical components making up a computer system, written programs/ procedures/rules/associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system stored in read/write memory; computers, laptops, printers, storage media, video games, software packages, video consoles such as Wii®, PlayStation®, and Xbox®

Photographic/Optical Equipment: equipment used to take photographs and/or relating to the science of optics or optical equipment; cameras, camcorders, telescopes, lenses, prisms, optical scanners, binoculars, monoculars, etc. (does not include camera phones)

Portable Electronic Communications: electronic devices used to communicate audible or visual messages; cell phones, camera phones, pagers, tablets, e-readers, portable game devices

Radios/TVs/VCRs/DVD Players: items used to transmit audible signals and visual images of moving and stationary objects; high fidelity and stereo equipment, CD players, MP3 players, cable boxes, etc. (does not include radios/stereos installed in vehicles) 

Recordings – Audio/Visual: phonograph records or blank or recorded tapes or discs upon which the user records sound and/or visual images; compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), cassettes, VHS tapes, etc.

Recreation Property

Artistic Supplies/Accessories: items or equipment used to create or maintain paintings, sculptures, crafts, etc.; frames, oil paints, clay

Camping/Hunting/Fishing Equipment/Supplies:  items, tools, or objects used for recreational camping, hunting, or fishing; tents, camp stoves, fishing poles, sleeping bags, etc.

Musical Instruments: instruments relating to or capable of producing music; percussion, brass, woodwind, and string instruments, etc.; guitar strings, picks, drumsticks, etc.

Pets: animals kept for pleasure or companionship, other than livestock; cats, dogs, household birds, fish, rodents, reptiles, and exotic animals raised as pets and not for profit

Recreational/Sports Equipment: equipment and materials used for recreational purposes, or during sports activities; skis, balls, gloves, weights, nets, bats, rackets, team uniforms, accessories for water sports, etc.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Gambling  Property

Alcohol: any intoxicating liquors containing alcohol used for human consumption; alcoholic beverages, i.e., beer, wine, and liquor

Drugs/Narcotics: substances such as narcotics or hallucinogens that affect the central nervous system causing changes in behavior and often addiction; prescription, over-the-counter, legal, and illegal drugs

Drug/Narcotic Equipment: unlawful articles, items, products, etc. used to prepare and consume drugs or narcotics; glass pipes, bongs, pop cans, methamphetamine (meth) labs, etc.

Gambling Equipment: any equipment or devices used to produce, manufacture, or perpetrate gambling; slot machines, keno, card tables, poker chips, bingo, raffles, lottery tickets, etc.

Additions

Intellectual Property: trade secrets, confidential business information, research and development data, software code and algorithms

Historical and Cultural Artifacts: archaeological artifacts, ancient manuscripts, historical memorabilia, tribal and indigenous artwork

Environmental Resources: timber and wood products, endangered plants and animals, fisheries, and marine resources

The Role of Stolen Property in Crime Patterns

Stolen property plays a multifaceted role in identifying crime patterns, aiding law enforcement agencies in piecing together the modus operandi of criminals, linking different criminal activities, and can lead to the identification and capture of the offender. 

Type of Stolen Property

High-Value Items: Theft of high-value items like electronics, jewelry, or automobiles may indicate a more organized or experienced criminal element.

Low-Value Items: Petty thefts or burglaries involving low-value items can point to opportunistic criminals or those with less planning.

Specific Items: The theft of unique or specific items may indicate a specialized type of criminal activity, like art theft, which can be easier to trace.

Contraband: Stolen items like firearms or drugs can signify more severe criminal enterprises and may correlate with other types of criminal activity.

Method of Theft

Force: The use of force in stealing property may indicate a more dangerous criminal and could suggest a pattern when combined with other variables.

Stealth: Quiet methods such as pickpocketing or hacking could indicate a different type of criminal expertise.

Location and Time

Hot Spots: Geographical areas with a higher frequency of property theft can be indicators of crime patterns.

Timing: The time of day, week, or even year can also be patterns – for example, more burglaries may occur during vacation seasons.

Disposal of Stolen Property

Fencing Operations: Tracing stolen goods to a fencing operation can reveal larger criminal networks.

Online Sales: Some criminals use online platforms to quickly sell stolen goods, which can sometimes be traced.

Direct Use: In some cases, criminals keep stolen property for personal use, which, if recovered, can serve as direct evidence.

Serial Numbers and Identifiers

Tracking: Items with serial numbers or unique identifiers can be tracked and may lead to the identification of criminals.

Database Cross-Referencing: Law enforcement agencies often use databases to cross-reference stolen property recovered in different jurisdictions to identify patterns.

Importance for Law Enforcement

Linking Cases: Similar types of stolen property across various cases can indicate the work of a serial offender.

Resource Allocation: Identification of patterns can guide law enforcement in allocating resources more effectively for prevention and investigation.

Community Alert: Recognizing patterns can facilitate more effective community warnings about specific types of property being targeted.

Probable Cause: Recovery of stolen property can sometimes provide the probable cause needed to secure search or arrest warrants.

Legal Prosecution: Evidence related to stolen property can strengthen the legal case against the accused.

Further Reading

Bowers, K.J., Johnson, S.D. (2013). Understanding Theft of  Hot Products. Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Problem-Solving Tools Series No. 12.  U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.