NCJ Number
146117
Journal
Research Bulletin Issue: 34 Dated: (Summer 1993) Pages: 3-8
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study reviews literature that has examined the link between the market for stolen goods and the incidence of theft in Great Britain.
Abstract
No studies to date provide reliable estimates of the proportion of stolen goods purchased by the public through apparently legitimate outlets or under more dubious circumstances, such as purchases out of homes or in pubs. Neither is there evidence of the influence of property- marking schemes on the market for stolen goods. The limited research findings suggest that the market for stolen goods may be dependent on a wider hidden economy that may provide ready markets for burglars and other thieves. It therefore has an important role in keeping a high rate of theft offenses. The field needs more systematic and reliable information. Research strategies might include studies of police records to determine how and where thieves convert stolen goods to cash and the use of crime surveys to gauge how often and in what circumstances people are offered stolen goods. 20 references