NCJ Number
133335
Date Published
1991
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This study assesses current efforts of the Dutch police and public prosecutors to counter fencing and recommends ways to improve these efforts.
Abstract
Literature on fencing was reviewed, and key police personnel, municipal officials, public prosecutors, and researchers were interviewed. Overall, there is very little information on the world of fencing. Existing knowledge indicates fencing is an elaborate network that begins with the delivery of stolen goods to an initial fencing location from which the goods are rapidly distributed through a network to consumers. Both the police and public prosecutors give low priority to fencing. Additionally, municipal laws are insufficient to address fencing. More research is needed on fencing among students, fencing locations, and the relations between fencing circuits and the informal economy. A higher priority should be given to fencing by police. This should include the assignment of more officers to fencing investigations, frequent checks of shops suspected of fencing, and greater sharing of knowledge on fencing among police agencies. The maximum penalty for fencing should be increased to 6 years imprisonment. The public should be informed about the sanctions for buying stolen goods and the risk of criminal prosecution. 4 figures and 42 references