NCJ Number
232365
Date Published
April 2010
Length
70 pages
Annotation
After discussing the nature and scope of scrap-metal theft and reviewing the factors that have increased the risk of its occurrence, this guide presents a series of questions designed to help law enforcement agencies analyze this problem in their jurisdictions, followed by a review of law enforcement responses to the problem and their effectiveness as measured by evaluative research.
Abstract
Throughout the industrialized world, stealing valuable metal has become a serious concern for the police, businesses, public utilities, railroad companies, and the community at large. This has resulted in significant business losses that may be transferred to consumers, and in some cases has threatened to reduce the volume and quality of services provided the public by victimized businesses. No single factor accounts for the increase in scrap metal thefts. The increase is likely due to a combination of high demand for metal on the international market, increased opportunities for offenders to target places and metal types not previously susceptible to theft, and weak regulation of the metals resale market. The guide uses the "problem analysis triangle" as a framework for understanding scrap metal theft. The three elements of the triangle are motivated offenders, accessible locations where scrap metal can be stolen, and numerous available targets. Regarding the analysis of a local problem of scrap metal theft, this guide suggests mounting a cooperative endeavor that asks and answers the right questions about the number and nature of incidents, targets/locations/times, offenders (thieves and sellers), offenders (buyers), and current responses to the problem. Questions for the problem analysis are followed by an outline of measures for determining the effectiveness of a response to the scrap metal problem. This is followed by an overview of possible response strategies. 42 references