Lesson 8.2: Property and Acquisitive Crime

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the various forms of property crime and acquisitive crime. Our focus will be on understanding how these crimes are defined, measured, and explained through different criminological theories. By the end of this lesson, students, you will be able to:

Define key concepts such as theft, burglary, robbery, handling, fraud, and criminal damage.
Understand the economics behind acquisitive crime and the role of opportunity in property crime.
Identify victim, target, and "hot product" patterns in property crime using the CRAVED model.
Discuss the significant drop in property crime since the 1990s and analyze competing explanations.
Explain acquisitive crime through various theories like strain, rational-choice, routine-activity, and subcultural theory.

What is Property Crime?

Property crime refers to crimes that are committed with the intention of acquiring someone else's property. This includes:

Theft

The act of taking someone else's possessions without permission, with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. For example, stealing a bicycle from someone’s yard.

Burglary

Burglary involves entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit theft or another crime. For instance, breaking into a house to steal electronics.

Robbery

Robbery is similar to theft but involves force or the threat of force. An example would be mugging someone on the street for their wallet.

Handling Stealing

Handling refers to the dealing in stolen goods. If a person buys a stolen item knowingly, they are committing an offense.

Fraud

Fraud involves deceiving someone for personal gain. For example, using someone else's credit card information without their consent is considered fraud.

Criminal Damage

This includes willfully or recklessly damaging someone else's property. Common examples are vandalism, such as graffiti on a public wall.

The Economics of Acquisitive Crime

Understanding the economics behind acquisitive crime can help us grasp why these crimes occur. Several factors contribute:

Opportunity: The easier it is to commit a crime, the more likely it is to happen. For example, unlocked cars are more likely to be targeted for theft.
Markets for Stolen Goods: There is often a demand for stolen items in illegal markets. This incentivizes theft as criminals can profit from selling such goods.

The CRAVED Model

The CRAVED model is a framework to understand what makes certain targets attractive to criminals. The acronym stands for:

Concealable: Items that are easy to hide, like smartphones.
Removable: Items that are easy to transport, such as jewelry.
Available: Items that are readily accessible, like bikes left in public.
Valuable: Items that have a high monetary worth.
Enjoyable: Items that are desirable, like gaming consoles.
Disposable: Items that can be easily sold or traded, such as electronics.

This model helps explain why certain items are stolen more frequently than others.

The Decline in Property Crime Since the 1990s

In the 1990s, many countries, particularly the United States, saw a significant decline in property crime rates. Several theories attempt to explain this drop:

Security Hypothesis

Improvements in security features, such as locks and alarms, have made it harder for thieves to succeed.

Less Cash Hypothesis

With the rise of credit and debit cards, people carry less cash, making robbery less appealing to criminals.

Less Lead Hypothesis

Research has suggested a correlation between lead exposure and aggressive behaviors. The decline in lead levels in the environment since the 1970s is believed to have contributed to reduced crime rates.

Theories Explaining Acquisitive Crime

Multiple criminological theories help us understand acquisitive crime:

Strain Theory

This theory posits that people commit crimes due to the pressure of societal expectations and the inability to achieve success through legitimate means.

Rational-Choice Theory

This theory suggests that criminals are rational actors who weigh the risks and benefits before committing a crime. For example, a robber may assess the likelihood of getting caught against the potential gain.

Routine-Activity Theory

This perspective emphasizes that crime occurs when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. For instance, a home left unattended while the owners are on vacation becomes a target for burglary.

Subcultural Theory

This theory explores how subcultures, particularly those within disadvantaged communities, may embrace crime as a norm. This explains why some individuals may resort to property crimes as a means of survival.

Conclusion

In summary, property crime and acquisitive crime are critical components in the study of criminology. Understanding their definitions, economic implications, patterns, and the theories behind them gives us better insight into these issues. By applying the CRAVED model and examining changes in crime rates, we can comprehend the broader context of criminal behavior in society.

Study Notes

Property crimes include theft, burglary, robbery, handling, fraud, and criminal damage.
Economics of acquisitive crime focuses on opportunity and illegal markets.
The CRAVED model outlines what makes items attractive to thieves.
The post-1990s decline in property crime has several competing explanations including security measures and societal changes.
Various theories such as strain, rational-choice, routine-activity, and subcultural theories explain the motivations behind acquisitive crime.