NCJ Number
72860
Date Published
1980
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This book provides background information on the criminal activities of receivers of stolen property and on the St. Louis County Police Department's response to fencing.
Abstract
Individual chapters focus on the property crime problem, the stolen property system, a history of fencing, fencing today, police strategies for handling the fence, and the St. Louis County approach. The fence provides a readily available market for stolen goods and, therefore, causes property crimes to continue to escalate. Recognizing this fact, the St. Louis County Police Department formed its Anti-Fence Unit to direct and coordinate law enforcement efforts against property crimes. Undercover detectives infiltrate the fences' operations in order to identify, investigate, and initiate the prosecution of offenders. Other strategies have also been developed. A public education program aims at providing information on the property theft problem and on fencing. A speakers bureau sends speakers to groups and organizations on request, magazine and newspaper articles are published, display boards are prepared, and flyers and brochures are mass mailed to citizens. In order to solicit the public's help in identifying stolen property outlets, the Unit has established the Crusade Against Crime's Confidential Hotline. During the first 2 years of operation, 120 calls were received which led to the recovery of $148,821 in stolen property. Furthermore, a nonserialized stolen property file was initiated. The file includes the descriptions of 1200 stolen items which do not have serial numbers. Upon the receipt of a Federal grant, the Unit will computerize the file in order to facilitate the expansion of the system. Other strategies include the holding of a Regional Anti-Fence Program Meeting each month in order that area agencies may share information, and the creation of an Advisory Board in order to enhance communications with the business community. Footnotes with references, photographs, drawings, copies of newspaper and journal articles, and appendixes containing resource materials and additional information are included.