NCJ Number
162928
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper considers how to regulate telecommunications services in Australia to minimize opportunities for theft and to deter potential offenders from using telecommunications equipment illegally for personal gain.
Abstract
Every technological development provides new opportunities for criminality, and opportunities for criminality will be particularly enhanced in an environment where broadband telecommunications services such as interactive video telephones are widely available. Statistical information concerning the size of the problem of theft of telecommunications services in Australia and other countries, however, is scant. Australia has enacted legislation that identifies specific offenses related to the improper use of telecommunications services. Policies are needed for the 21st century that cover areas of emerging crime, regulatory reform, traditional crime prevention strategies, opportunity reduction, human resource industry controls, and self-help and user education. Methods used to steal telecommunications services ar outlined for metering and billing systems, telephone exchanges, mobile telephones, cable television lines, telecommunications equipment, and telecommunications employment, and associated control strategies are listed. 23 references and 2 tables