CRJ 105
Week 6
Property Crime and Typologies
Performance
Task
Assignment #2
Quick Links
Scenario
Task
Rubric
Document Library
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
Scenario
Case Number:
0998881
Date:
20 May 2016
Reporting Officer:
Colt Winchester
Incident Type: Property Crime
Address of Occurrence: 222 Citation Way, Happy Town, GA 15486
Witnesses:
Clifford Tonell: Store owner, Male, 48, White
Bo Foot: Security Officer (Employee), Male, 76, White
Andrea Sianturi: Employee, Female, 27, Asian American
Susan
Bunion: Customer: Female, 35, Asian American
Weapon/Objects Used:
On May 20, 2016, at approximately 18:00, officers responded to the Socks for Feet Outlet
located at 222 Citation Way. According to the Socks for Feet Security Officer Bo Foot, three
people entered the store and began walking down the Big Feet area of the store. Security
Officer Bo Foot observed suspect one take three dozen pairs of the Big Guy brand socks and
place them down his pants. Security Officer Bo Foot then followed the three suspects into the
Hammer Toe section of socks where Security Officer Bo Foot observed suspect two place two
dozen pairs of the Hang Nail Free brand of socks into suspect three’s purse. As Security Officer
Bo Foot approached the suspects the suspects began to run. As Suspect one began to run, he
bumped Security Officer Foot causing him to fall to the floor. All three suspects ran out of the
store into the back-parking lot of the store.
The store owner Clifford Tonell identified the three suspects as:
Suspect (1) Bubba Hurt
Suspect (2) Skeeter Redrum Suspect
(3) Summer Breeze
Please refer to inventory sheet for cost of merchandise stolen.
All three suspects were later apprehended and arrested at the Just for Kicks Martial Arts studio
located at 626 Felony Drive. All of the property was recovered inside Skeeter Redrum’s 1969
Ford Pinto.
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Page 3 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
Task
1. Your task as the District Attorney is to determine what charges apply,
if any, and the
penalties (refer to Penalty Sheet in the Document Library) for such
charges, for all three
individuals involved in this incident. You should base your answer on an understanding of
the definitions by reviewing the Criminal Code for the State of Georgia: Title 16 Crimes and
Offenses: Offenses involving Theft found in the Document Library.
● Please refer to the inventory sheet for the cost of merchandise stolen.
2. Next, examine the crime scenario and give your opinion on whether the crime committed
was done by amateurs or professionals. (refer to the Document Library)
3. Identify what type of criminal typology could be applied to the suspects based on your
lesson notes. (refer to the Document Library)
Formatting Requirements:
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
● Be four pages typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-
inch margins on all sides. All the information you need is in the Document Library.
● Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, professor’s
name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required
assignment page length.
Self-Assessment Checklist:
Use this to check your work before you submit your assignment:
My paper determines what charges apply, if any, and the penalties for the charges, if
any.
My paper presents my opinion about whether the crime(s) committed were done by
amateurs or professionals.
My paper identifies the type of criminal typology that could be applied to the suspects.
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Page 4 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
Rubric
Grading for this assignment will be based on the quality of your responses, logic/organization of
the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.
Points: 100 Assignment 2: Property Crime and Typologies Performance Task
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 70% F
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient 80-
89% B
Exemplary 90-
100% A
1. Determine what charges
apply, if any, and the
penalties for such charges,
for all three
(3) individuals
involved in this incident.
Weight 25%
Does not determine
what charges apply,
if any, and the
penalties for such
charges, for all three
(3) individuals
involved in this
incident.
Partially determines
what charges apply,
if any, and the
penalties for such
charges, for all three
(3) individuals
involved in this
incident.
The charges and
penalties need
further
development and
supporting details.
Satisfactorily
determines what
charges apply, if any,
and the penalties for
such charges, for all
three (3) individuals
involved in this
incident.
Most of the charges
and penalties were
determined;
additional details
would improve this
section.
Thoroughly
determines what
charges apply, if any,
and the penalties for
such charges, for all
three (3) individuals
involved in this
incident.
2. Examine the crime
scenario and give your
opinion on whether the
crime committed was
done
by amateurs or
professionals.
Weight: 25%
Does not examine the
crime scenario and
give your opinion on
whether the crime
committed was done
by amateurs or
professionals.
Partially examines
the crime scenario
and starts to present
an opinion on
whether the crime
committed was done
by amateurs or
professionals.
Satisfactorily
examines the crime
scenario and gives an
opinion on whether
the crime committed
was done by
amateurs or
professionals.
More supporting
details about your
opinion would
improve this section.
Thoroughly examines
the crime scenario
and gives a solid, well-
supported opinion on
whether the crime
committed was done
by amateurs or
professionals.
3. Identify what type of
criminal
typology could be
applied based on your
lesson notes.
Weight: 25%
Does not identify
what type of criminal
typology could be
applied.
Partially identifies
what type of criminal
typology could be
applied.
Additional details
about the type of
criminal typology
would improve this
section.
Satisfactorily
identifies what type
of criminal typology
could be applied.
Most of the details
about criminal
typology were
provided.
Thoroughly identifies
what type of criminal
typology could be
applied.
4. Clarity, writing
mechanics, and
formatting requirements.
Weight: 25%
More than 6 errors
present.
5-6 errors present. 3-4 errors present. 0-2 errors present.
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
Document Library
CLERKS OFFICE:
HAPPY TOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT
INCIDENT INFORMATION FORM
Date:
20 May 2016
Case Number:
0998881
Reporting Officer:
Colt Winchester
ARRESTED DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT RACE GENDER PRIORS
BUBBA HURT 01/05/1990 6’05 290 lbs. W M Y
SKEETER
REDRUM
05/14/1992 6’0 185 lbs. W M Y
SUMMER
BREEZE
07/05/1996 5’07 145 lbs. W F Y
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
CLERKS OFFICE:
HAPPY TOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT
INCIDENT INFORMATION FORM
WITNESS(S)
Date:
20 May 2016
Case Number:
0998881
Reporting Officer:
Colt Winchester
NAME ADDRESS PHONE # OCCUPATION AGE RACE GENDER
Clifford
Tonell
110 FELONY DRIVE,
HAPPY TOWN, GA. 444-555-777
STORE OWNER SOCKS
FOR FEET
48 W M
Bo Foot
111
MISDEMEANOR
DRIVE, HAPPY
TOWN, GA. 444-111-3333
SECURITY OFFICER
EMPLOYEE
SOCKS FOR FEET
76 W M
Andrea
Sianturi
136 FELONY CIRCLE
HAPPY TOWN, GA. 444-999-4444
RETAIL SALES
SOCKS FOR FEET
27 A F
Susan
Bunion
128 FELONY LN.
HAPPY TOWN, GA.
444-999-5555
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
INSTRUCTOR
HAPPY TOWN
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
35 A F
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
SOCKS FOR FEET OUTLET
INVENTORY SHEET
MAY 20, 2016
ITEM DESCRIPTION
COST PER PAIR
OF SOCKS
PAIRS
MISSING
TOTAL
MENS SOCKS BIG GUY BRAND $12.00 36 $432.00
MENS SOCKS HANG NAIL FREE $10.00 24 $240.00
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Page 8 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
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be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
STATE OF
GEORGIA
CRIMINAL HISTORY
Subject Name(s)
BUBBA HERT (AKA) HURT,
BUBBA BEAUREGARD
Subject Description
FBI Number
618079JA8
Social Security Number
666-66-6666
Miscellaneous Numbers
Unknown
Sex
Male
Height
6”05’ (2016-03-16)
Hair Color
Black (2016-03-16)
Scars, Marks, and Tattoos
Code
Unknown Code (2016-03-16)
Unknown Code (2016-03-16)
PRCD L EAR (NCIC; (2016-03-16)
Blood Type Unknown
Place of Birth
Georgia
Description, Comments, and Images
SCAR LEG, RIGHT (GA00782800)
Embedded Image (GA0782800;) (2016-03-16)
Prison intake photo
SCAR CALF, RIGHT (GA0415000)
Contact agency for image
PIERCED EAR, LEFT (GA0415000)
Contact agency for image
Medical Condition
Code Unknown Drug abuse
Citizenship Ethnicity
US (1990-01-05) White
State Id Number
DOC Number
GA183246 (GA) 146023-A (GA)
Driver’s License Number
S0055-2826-4895-L (GA)
Race Skin Tone
White Medium
Weight Date of Birth
290 Pounds (2016-03-16) 1990-01-05
Eye Color Fingerprint Pattern
Brown (2016-03-16) COPO1317161817131918 (FPC)
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
Marital Status Religion
Single (2016-03-16) Unknown (2016-03-16)
Employment
Employment as of 1985-09-11
Occupation Metal stamping
Employer Happy Metals, Inc.
Mailing Address 1000 Violation Road
Happy County
Happy, GA 001133 US
Residence
Residence as of 2016-05-11
Mailing Address 6025 N Misdemeanor St. Happy Town, GA.
Telephone
Fingerprint Images
444-012-5469
Type Comments and Images
Ten print set (1985-09-11)
Palmprint Images
Contact agency for image (GA0415000)
Type Comments and Images
Both palms (1985-09-11)
Photo Images
Contact agency for image (GA0415000)
Juvenile
Type Comments and Images
Mugshot (2016-05-11)
DNA Data
Contact agency for image (GA0415000)
Encoding Method Data and Comments
STR (1989-03-28) DNA locus data table follows (GA013415Y)
Locus Value Locus Value
Amelogenin X, Y CSF1PO 11, 2
D13S317 11 D16S539 12
D18S51 12, 17 D21S11 29.1, 32.2
D3S1358 14, 17 D5S818 11, 12
D7S820 9, 12 D8S1179 11
FGA 22, 24 TH01 6, 7
TPOX 8 vWA
14, 16
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
Criminal History
Cycle 001
Tracking Number 04151984375826
Earliest Event Date 2016-02-01
Arrest (Cycle 001)
Arrest Date 2016-02-01
Arresting Agency GA0415000
Subject Name(s) HURT, BUBBA BEAUREGARD
Offender ID Number 169591 (Police Dept)
Arrest Type Adult
Charge
Charge Number 01
Agency GA0415000
Charge Description SHOPLIFTING
Statute GA 943.10
NCIC Offense Code 2299
Counts 01
Severity Misdemeanor
Charge
Charge Number 02
Agency GA0415000
Charge Description UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
Statute GA 161.41
NCIC Offense Code 3562
Counts 01
Severity Felony
Prosecutor Disposition (Cycle 001)
Prosecutor Agency GA041013A
Subject Name(s) Hurt, Bubba Beauregard
Charge
Charge Number 01
Agency GA041013A
Charge Description Shoplifting
Statute GA 943.10
NCIC Offense Code 2299
Counts 01
Severity Felony
Disposition NO PROSECUTION (2016-03-13; Dismissed)
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
Charge
Charge Number 02
Agency GA041013A
Charge Description UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT
Statute GA 161.41
NCIC Offense Code 3562
Counts 01
Severity Misdemeanor
Disposition NO PROSECUTION (2016-03-13; Dismissed)
Court Disposition No data supplied
Sentencing No data supplied
Corrections No data supplied
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
MEMORANDUM
To: Patrol Division
From: Chief of Police Rodney Hurt Date: February 2, 2016
Subject: PROACTIVE EXPECTATIONS
The purpose of this memorandum is to establish increase patrols in Zone III of Happy Town.
Both City Council and the Mayor are receiving numerous complaints from citizens in regards to
the increase crime in Happy Town. In addition, a recent News Article criticized our police
professionalism.
As a result of a news story, and the concerns from our city leaders effectively immediately there
will be designated patrol officers working with Vice and Narcotics to increase visibility and take
a proactive approach in resolving this issue.
We will be closely monitoring the progress for the upcoming months to ensure the citizens of
our city that they are safe. Remember, when it comes to enforcement efforts, our emphasis
should be the quality of your service.
Rodney Hurt
Chief of Police Happy Town
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AMATUER AND PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS
Setting aside our disgust at the disruption of our value system, there are three major differences
between the professional property offender (thief) and an “amateur” thief. First, the
professional has a diminished moral capacity and multiple victims, while the amateur’s damage
is much more limited. Secondly, the professional plans ahead, has a modus operandi, and an
outlet for his booty (fence). Thirdly, the professional can only be stopped by incarceration,
while the amateur will stop when his situation changes, because his theft is often a crime of
sociological pressure and temporary opportunity (addiction, extreme poverty, underlying
psychological problems, etc.). In sum, the professional must be combated with all the forces of
law, while the amateur needs more sociological and psychological help to get his behavior back
on track. So, the law’s identifying the difference is essential to the sociological remedy.
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Georgia Codes
TITLE 16 – CRIMES AND OFFENSES
CHAPTER 8 – OFFENSES INVOLVING THEFT
ARTICLE 1 – THEFT
§ 16-8-1 – Definitions
O.C.G.A. 16-8-1 (2010)
16-8-1. Definitions
As used in this article, the term:
(1) “Deprive” means, without justification:
(A) To withhold property of another permanently or temporarily; or
(B) To dispose of the property so as to make it unlikely that the owner will recover it.
(2) “Financial institution” means a bank, insurance company, credit union, building and loan association,
investment trust, or other organization held out to the public as a place of deposit of funds or medium of
savings or collective investment.
(3) “Property of another” includes property in which any person other than the accused has an interest but
does not include property belonging to the spouse of an accused or to them jointly.
§ 16-8-2 – Theft by taking
O.C.G.A. 16-8-2 (2010)
16-8-2. Theft by taking
A person commits the offense of theft by taking when he unlawfully takes or, being in lawful possession
thereof, unlawfully appropriates any property of another with the intention of depriving him of the property,
regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated.
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Page 18 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
§ 16-8-3 – Theft by deception
O.C.G.A. 16-8-3 (2010)
16-8-3. Theft by deception
(a) A person commits the offense of theft by deception when he obtains property by any deceitful means or
artful practice with the intention of depriving the owner of the property. (b) A person deceives if he
intentionally:
(1) Creates or confirms another’s impression of an existing fact or past event which is false and which the
accused knows or believes to be false;
(2) Fails to correct a false impression of an existing fact or past event which he has previously created or
confirmed;
(3) Prevents another from acquiring information pertinent to the disposition of the property involved;
(4) Sells or otherwise transfers or encumbers property intentionally failing to disclose a substantial and valid
known lien, adverse claim, or other legal impediment to the enjoyment of the property, whether such
impediment is or is not a matter of official record; or
(5) Promises performance of services which he does not intend to perform or knows will not be performed.
Evidence of failure to perform standing alone shall not be sufficient to authorize a conviction under this
subsection.
(c) “Deceitful means” and “artful practice” do not, however, include falsity as to matters having no pecuniary
significance, or exaggeration by statements unlikely to deceive ordinary persons in the group addressed.
§ 16-8-4 – Theft by conversion
O.C.G.A. 16-8-4 (2010)
16-8-4. Theft by conversion
(a) A person commits the offense of theft by conversion when, having lawfully obtained funds or other
property of another including, but not limited to, leased or rented personal property, under an agreement or
other known legal obligation to make a specified application of such funds or a specified disposition of such
property, he knowingly converts the funds or property to his own use in violation of the agreement or legal
obligation. This Code section applies whether the application or disposition is to be made from the funds or
property of another or from the accused’s own funds or property in equivalent amount when the agreement
contemplates that the accused may deal with the funds or property of another as his own.
(b) When, under subsection (a) of this Code section, an officer or employee of a government or of a financial
institution fails to pay on an account, upon lawful demand, from the funds or property of another held by him,
he is presumed to have intended to convert the funds or property to his own use.
(c)(1) As used in this subsection, the term “personal property” means personal property having a replacement
cost value greater than $100.00, excluding any late fees and penalties, and includes heavy equipment as
defined in paragraph (2) of Code Section 10-1-731 and tractors and farm equipment primarily designed for use
in agriculture.
(2) Any person having any personal property in such person’s possession or under such person’s control by
virtue of a lease or rental agreement who fails to return the personal property within five days, Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays excluded, after a letter demanding return of the personal property has been mailed to
such person by certified or registered mail or statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested, at such
person’s last known address by the owner of the personal property or by the owner’s agent shall be presumed
to have knowingly converted such personal property to such person’s own use in violation of such lease or
agreement.
(3) In the event that any personal property is not returned as provided for in the lease or rental agreement and
the court orders the lessor or renter to pay replacement costs, replacement costs shall include but not be
limited to:
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Page 19 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
(A) The market value of the personal property. The market value shall be established by the owner of the
property by providing from a supplier of such or reasonably similar personal property a current quotation of
the value of the personal property which is of like quality, make, and model of the personal property being
replaced. The value to be awarded shall be the higher of:
(i) The value on the date when the conversion occurred; or
(ii) The value on the date of the trial;
(B) All rental charges from the date the rental agreement was executed until the date of the trial or the date
that the property was recovered, if recovered; and
(C) Interest on the unpaid balance each month at the current legal rate from the date the court orders the
lessor or renter to pay replacement costs until the date the judgment is satisfied in full.
(4) If as a part of the order of the court the lessor or renter is placed on probation, supervision of said
probation shall not be terminated until all replacement costs, fees, charges, penalties, interest, and other
charges are paid in full. All payments relative to this Code section shall be made to the appropriate court of
jurisdiction and the court shall make distribution to the owner within 30 days of receipt thereof.
(5) In the event that the owner incurs any expenses in the process of locating a lessor or renter who did not
return any personal property according to the lease or rental agreement, the court shall provide that the
lessor or renter reimburse the owner for those expenses which may include, but not be limited to, credit
reports, private detective fees, investigation fees, fees charged by a law enforcement agency for such services
as police reports, background checks, fees involved with swearing out a warrant for incarceration, and any
other bona fide expenses.
§ 16-8-5 – Theft of services
O.C.G.A. 16-8-5 (2010)
16-8-5. Theft of services
A person commits the offense of theft of services when by deception and with the intent to avoid payment he
knowingly obtains services, accommodations, entertainment, or the use of personal property which is
available only for compensation.
§ 16-8-5.1 – Circumstances permitting inference of intent to avoid payment; exceptions
O.C.G.A. 16-8-5.1 (2010)
16-8-5.1. Circumstances permitting inference of intent to avoid payment; exceptions
The trier of fact may infer that the accused intended to avoid payment due for the rental or lease of any
personal property in any prosecution pursuant to Code Section 16-8-2, relating to theft by taking; 16-8-3,
relating to theft by deception; 16-8-4, relating to theft by conversion; or 16-8-5, relating to theft of services; if
a person knowingly:
(1) Used false identification;
(2) Provided false information on a written contract;
(3) Made, drew, uttered, executed, or delivered an instrument for the payment of money on any bank or other
depository in exchange for present consideration, knowing that it would not be honored by the drawee;
(4) Abandoned any property at a location that is not the location agreed upon for return and that would not be
reasonably known to the owner;
(5) Returned any property to a location that would not reasonably be known to the owner without notifying
the owner; or
(6) Returned any property at a time beyond posted business hours of the owner.
No person shall be convicted under Code Section 16-8-2, relating to theft by taking; 16-8-3, relating to theft by
deception; 16-8-4, relating to theft by conversion; or 16-8-5, relating to theft of services; where there was an
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CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
agreement to delay payment for such property or services or the accused makes payment in full within two
business days after returning the property or obtaining the services.
§ 16-8-5.2 – Retail property fencing; forfeiture; related matters
O.C.G.A. 16-8-5.2 (2010)
16-8-5.2. Retail property fencing; forfeiture; related matters (a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Retail property” means any new article, product, commodity, item, or component intended to be sold in
retail commerce.
(2) “Retail property fence” means a person or entity that buys, sells, transfers, or possesses with the intent to
sell or transfer retail property that such person knows or should have known was stolen.
(3)”Value” means the retail value of the item as stated or advertised by the affected retail establishment, to
include applicable taxes.
(b) A person commits the offense of retail property fencing when such persons receives, disposes of, or retains
retail property which was unlawfully taken or shoplifted over a period not to exceed 180 days with the intent
to:
(1) Transfer, sell, or distribute such retail property to a retail property fence; or
(2) Attempt or cause such retail property to be offered for sale, transfer, or distribution for money or other
things of value.
(c) Whoever knowingly receives, possesses, conceals, stores, barters, sells, or disposes of retail property with
the intent to distribute any retail property which is known or should be known to have been taken or stolen in
violation of this subsection with the intent to distribute the proceeds, or to otherwise promote, manage, carry
on, or facilitate an offense described in this subsection, shall have committed the offense of retail property
fencing.
(d) (1) It shall not be necessary in any prosecution under this Code section for the state to prove that any
intended profit was actually realized. The trier of fact may infer that a particular scheme or course of conduct
was undertaken for profit from all of the attending circumstances.
(2) It shall not be a defense to violating this Code section that the property was obtained by means other than
through the commission of a theft offense if the property was explicitly represented to the accused as being
obtained through the commission of a theft.
(e) Any property constituting proceeds derived from or realized through a violation of this Code section shall
be subject to forfeiture to the State of Georgia except that no property of any owner shall be forfeited
under this subsection, to the extent of the interest of such owner, by reason of an act or omission
established by such owner to have been committed or omitted without knowledge or consent of such
owner. The procedure for forfeiture and disposition of forfeited property under this subsection shall be as
provided for under Code Section 16-13-49.
(f) Each violation of this Code section shall constitute a separate offense.
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may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer
University.
Page 21 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
§ 16-8-6 – Theft of lost or mislaid property
O.C.G.A. 16-8–6 (2010)
16-8-6. Theft of lost or mislaid property
A person commits the offense of theft of lost or mislaid property when he comes into control of property
that he knows or learns to have been lost or mislaid and appropriates the property to his own use without
first taking reasonable measures to restore the property to the owner.
§ 16-8-7 – Theft by receiving stolen property
O.C.G.A. 16-8-7 (2010)
16-8-7. Theft by receiving stolen property
(a) A person commits the offense of theft by receiving stolen property when he receives, disposes of, or
retains stolen property which he knows or should know was stolen unless the property is received, disposed
of, or retained with intent to restore it to the owner. “Receiving” means acquiring possession or control or
lending on the security of the property.
(b) In any prosecution under this Code section it shall not be necessary to show a conviction of the principal
thief.
PENALTIES FOR THEFT
§ 16-8-12 – Penalties for violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9
O.C.G.A. 16-8-12 (2010)
16-8-12. Penalties for violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9
(a) A person convicted of a violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9 shall be punished as for a
misdemeanor except:
(1) If the property which was the subject of the theft exceeded $500.00 in value, by imprisonment for not
less than one nor more than ten years or, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor;
(2) If the property was any amount of anhydrous ammonia, as defined in Code Section 16-11-111, by
imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years, a fine not to exceed the amount provided by
Code Section 17-10-8, or both;
(3) If the property was taken by a fiduciary in breach of a fiduciary obligation or by an officer or employee of
a government or a financial institution in breach of his or her duties as such officer or employee, by
imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 15 years, a fine not to exceed the amount provided by
Code Section 17-10-8, or both;
(4) If the crime committed was a violation of Code Section 16-8-2 and if the property which was the subject
of the theft was a memorial to the dead or any ornamentation, flower, tree, or shrub placed on, adjacent to,
or within any enclosure of a memorial to the dead, by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than
three years. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as to cause action taken by a cemetery, cemetery
owner, lessee, trustee, church, religious or fraternal organization, corporation, civic organization, or club
legitimately attempting to clean, maintain, care for, upgrade, or beautify a grave, gravesite, tomb,
monument, gravestone, or other structure or thing placed or designed for a memorial of the dead to be a
criminal act;
(5)(A) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection notwithstanding, if the property which was the
subject of the theft was a motor vehicle or was a motor vehicle part or component which exceeded $100.00
in value or if the theft or unlawful activity was committed in violation of subsection (b) of Code Section 10-
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Page 22 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
1393.5 or in violation of subsection (b) of Code Section 10-1-393.6 or while engaged in telemarketing
conduct in violation of Chapter 5B of Title 10, by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years
or, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor; provided, however, that any person who is
convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this paragraph shall be punished by imprisonment for not
less than one year nor more than 20 years.
(B) Subsequent offenses committed under this paragraph, including those which may have been committed
after prior felony convictions unrelated to this paragraph, shall be punished as provided in Code Section
1710-7;
(6)(A) As used in this paragraph, the term:
(i) “Destructive device” means a destructive device as such term is defined by Code Section 16-7-80.
(ii) “Explosive” means an explosive as such term is defined by Code Section 16-7-80.
(iii) “Firearm” means any rifle, shotgun, pistol, or similar device which propels a projectile or projectiles
through the energy of an explosive.
(B) If the property which was the subject of the theft offense was a destructive device, explosive, or firearm,
by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years;
(7) If the property which was the subject of the theft is a grave marker, monument, or memorial to one or
more deceased persons who served in the military service of this state, the United States of America or any
of the states thereof, or the Confederate States of America or any of the states thereof, or a monument,
plaque, marker, or memorial which is dedicated to, honors, or recounts the military service of any past or
present military personnel of this state, the United States of America or any of the states thereof, or the
Confederate States of America or any of the states thereof, and if such grave marker, monument, memorial,
plaque, or marker is privately owned or located on privately owned land, by imprisonment for not less than
one nor more than three years if the value of the property which was the subject of the theft is $300.00 or
less, and by imprisonment for not less than three years and not more than five years if the value of the
property which was the subject of the theft is more than $300.00;
(8) If the property that was the subject of the theft was a vehicle engaged in commercial transportation of
cargo or any appurtenance thereto, including without limitation any such trailer, semitrailer, container, or
other associated equipment, or the cargo being transported therein or thereon, by imprisonment for not less
than three years nor more than ten years, a fine not less than $5,000.00 nor more than $50,000.00, and, if
applicable, the revocation of the defendant’s commercial driver’s license in accordance with Code Section
405-151, or any combination of such penalties. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “vehicle” includes
without limitation any railcar; or
(9) (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, if the property of the theft was
ferrous metals or regulated metal property, as such terms are defined in Code Section 10-1-350, and the sum
of the aggregate amount of such property, in its original and undamaged condition, plus any reasonable costs
which are or would be incurred in the repair or the attempt to recover any property damaged in the theft or
removal of such regulated metal property, exceeds $500.00, by imprisonment for not less than one nor more
than five years, a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or
both.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of this Code section, any person who
commits the offense of theft by deception when the property which was the subject of the theft exceeded
$500.00 in value and the offense was committed against a person who is 65 years of age or older shall, upon
conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment for not less than five nor more than ten years.
(c) Where a violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9 involves the theft of a growing or otherwise
unharvested commercial agricultural product which is being grown or produced as a crop, such offense shall
be punished by a fine of not less than $500.00 and not more than the maximum fine otherwise authorized by
law. This minimum fine shall not in any such case be subject to suspension, stay, or probation. This minimum
fine shall not be required in any case in which a sentence of confinement is imposed and such sentence of
confinement is not suspended, stayed, or probated; but this subsection shall not prohibit imposition of any
otherwise authorized fine in such a case.
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may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer
University.
Page 23 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
§ 16-8-14 – Theft by shoplifting
O.C.G.A. 16-8-14 (2010)
16-8-14 Theft by shoplifting
(a) A person commits the offense of theft by shoplifting when he alone or in concert with another person,
with the intent of appropriating merchandise to his own use without paying for the same or to deprive the
owner of possession thereof or of the value thereof, in whole or in part, does any of the following:
(1) Conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise of any store or retail establishment;
(2) Alters the price tag or other price marking on goods or merchandise of any store or retail establishment;
Transfers the goods or merchandise of any store or retail establishment from one container to another; (4)
(4) Interchanges the label or price tag from one item of merchandise with a label or price tag for another
item of merchandise; or
(5) Wrongfully causes the amount paid to be less than the merchant’s stated price for the merchandise. (b)(1)
A person convicted of the offense of theft by shoplifting, as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section,
when the property which was the subject of the theft is $300.00 or less in value shall be punished as for a
misdemeanor; provided, however, that:
(A) Upon conviction of a second offense for shoplifting, where the first offense is either a felony or a
misdemeanor, as defined by this Code section, in addition to or in lieu of any imprisonment which might be
imposed, the defendant shall be fined not less than $250.00 and the fine shall not be suspended or probated;
(B) Upon conviction of a third offense for shoplifting, where the first two offenses are either felonies or
misdemeanors, or a combination of a felony and a misdemeanor, as defined by this Code section, in addition
to or in lieu of any fine which might be imposed, the defendant shall be punished by imprisonment for not
less than 30 days or confinement in a “special alternative incarceration-probation boot camp,” probation
detention center, diversion center, or other community correctional facility of the Department of Corrections
for a period of 120 days or shall be sentenced to monitored house arrest for a period of 120 days and, in
addition to either such types of confinement, may be required to undergo psychological evaluation and
treatment to be paid for by the defendant; and such sentence of imprisonment or confinement shall not be
suspended, probated, deferred, or withheld; and
(C) Upon conviction of a fourth or subsequent offense for shoplifting, where the prior convictions are either
felonies or misdemeanors, or any combination of felonies and misdemeanors, as defined by this Code
section, the defendant commits a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor
more than ten years; and the first year of such sentence shall not be suspended, probated, deferred, or
withheld.
(2) A person convicted of the offense of theft by shoplifting, as provided in subsection (a) of this Code
section, when the property which was the subject of the theft exceeds $300.00 in value commits a felony
and shall be punished by imprisonment for
not less than one nor more than ten years.
(3) A person convicted of the offense of theft by shoplifting, as provided in subsection (a) of this Code
section, when the property which was the subject of the theft is taken from three separate stores or retail
establishments within one county during a period of seven days or less and when the property which was the
subject of each theft exceeds $100.00 in value, commits a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for
not less than one nor more than ten years.
(c) In all cases involving theft by shoplifting, the term “value” means the actual retail price of the property at
the time and place of the offense. The unaltered price tag or other marking on property, or duly identified
photographs thereof, shall be prima-facie evidence of value and ownership of the property.
(d) Subsection (b) of this Code section shall in no way affect the authority of a sentencing judge to provide
for a sentence to be served on weekends or during the nonworking hours of the defendant as provided in
Code Section 17-10-3, relative to punishment for misdemeanors.
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Page 24 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
§ 16-8-16 – Theft by extortion
O.C.G.A. 16-8-16 (2010)
16-8-16. Theft by extortion
(a) A person commits the offense of theft by extortion when he unlawfully obtains property of or from
another person by threatening to:
(1) Inflict bodily injury on anyone or commit any other criminal offense;
(2) Accuse anyone of a criminal offense;
(3) Disseminate any information tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule or to impair
his credit or business repute;
(4) Take or withhold action as a public official or cause an official to take or withhold action;
(5) Bring about or continue a strike, boycott, or other collective unofficial action if the property is not
demanded or received for the benefit of the group in whose interest the actor purports to act; or
(6) Testify or provide information or withhold testimony or information with respect to another’s legal claim
or defense.
(b) In a prosecution under this Code section, the crime shall be considered as having been committed in the
county in which the threat was made or received or in the county in which the property was unlawfully
obtained.
(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution based on paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (6) of subsection (a) of this
Code section that the property obtained by threat of accusation, exposure, legal action, or other invocation
of official action was honestly claimed as restitution or indemnification for harm done in the circumstance to
which such accusation, exposure, legal action, or other official action relates or as compensation for property
or lawful services.
(d) A person convicted of the offense of theft by extortion shall be punished by imprisonment for not less
than one nor more than ten years.
§ 16-8-17 – Intent to cheat or defraud a retailer
O.C.G.A. 16-8-17 (2010)
16-8-17. Intent to cheat or defraud a retailer
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who, with intent to cheat or defraud a
retailer, possesses, uses, utters, transfers, makes, alters, counterfeits, or reproduces a retail sales receipt or a
Universal Product Code label which results in a theft of property which exceeds $300.00 in value commits a
felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than three years or by a fine or
both.
(2) A person convicted of a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection, when the property which was the
subject of the theft resulting from the unlawful use of retail sales receipts or Universal Product Code labels is
taken from three separate stores or retail establishments within one county during a period of seven days or
less and when the property which was the subject of each theft exceeds $100.00 in value, commits a felony
and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years.
(b) A person who, with intent to cheat or defraud a retailer, possesses 15 or more fraudulent retail sales
receipts or Universal Product Code labels or possesses a device the purpose of which is to manufacture
fraudulent retail sales receipts or Universal Product Code labels will be guilty of a felony and punished by
imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years.
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Page 25 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
§ 16-8-18 – Entering automobile or other motor vehicle with intent to commit theft or felony
O.C.G.A. 16-8-18 (2010)
16-8-18. Entering automobile or other motor vehicle with intent to commit theft or felony
If any person shall enter any automobile or other motor vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or a felony,
he shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less
than one nor more than five years, or, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor.
§ 16-8-21 – Removal or abandonment of shopping carts; posting of Code section in stores and markets
O.C.G.A. 16-8-21 (2010)
16-8-21. Removal or abandonment of shopping carts; posting of Code section in stores and markets (a) As
used in this Code section, “shopping cart” means those pushcarts of the type which are commonly provided
by grocery stores, drugstores, or other merchant stores or markets for the use of the public in transporting
commodities in stores and markets and incidentally from the store to a place outside the store. (b) It shall be
unlawful for any person to remove a shopping cart from the premises, posted as provided in subsection (d)
of this Code section, of the owner of such shopping cart without the consent, given at the time of such
removal, of the owner or of his agent, servant, or employee. For the purpose of this Code section, the
premises shall include all the parking area set aside by the owner or on behalf of the owner for the parking of
cars for the convenience of the patrons of the owner.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon a shopping cart upon any public street, sidewalk, way, or
parking lot other than a parking lot on the premises of the owner.
(d) The owner of the store in which the shopping cart is used shall post in at least three prominent places in
his store and at each exit therefrom a printed copy of this Code section, which copy shall be printed in type
no smaller than 12 points.
(e) Any person who violates subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
ARTICLE 2 – ROBBERY
§ 16-8-40 – Robbery
O.C.G.A. 16-8-40 (2010)
16-8-40. Robbery
(a) A person commits the offense of robbery when, with intent to commit theft, he takes property of another
from the person or the immediate presence of another:
(1) By use of force;
(2) By intimidation, by the use of threat or coercion, or by placing such person in fear of immediate serious
bodily injury to himself or to another; or (3) By sudden snatching.
(b) A person convicted of the offense of robbery shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor
more than 20 years.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section, any person who commits the offense of
robbery against a person who is 65 years of age or older shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished
https://www.georgialegalaid.org/resource/crimes-and-penalties-in-georgia
https://www.georgialegalaid.org/resource/crimes-and-penalties-in-georgia
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Page 26 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
What are the Different Types of Georgia Theft?
▪ Theft by taking: This means that a person unlawfully took possession of any item or piece of property
that belongs to another. It does not matter how the item was taken. This is the simplest form of
Georgia theft, and if you have another person’s property and deprive them of it you can be charged
and found guilty of theft by taking.
▪ Theft by deception: This means that you were able to get something from another by deceitful
means. This includes billing someone for a service that was not done, accepting payment for
something you know will not be done, or selling property or an item without disclosing that there is a
lien or loan still on it. Georgia theft by deception is more complex due to the intention of theft
involved to deceive another out of their property or money which may involve confirming another’s
wrong assumption about a fact or event when you know it is wrong.
▪ Theft by conversion: Georgia theft by conversion means that you took someone’s money to apply it
in some manner for them, such as a deposit or payment, and instead you used it for your own
purposes. For example, an officer or an employee of a government or financial institution does not
apply your payment to the intended account, but rather, pockets the money for their own use. In
addition, Georgia theft by conversion also applies to rental property that you are using; if you do not
return such property when the owner demands it back then you have committed theft by
conversion.
▪ Theft of services: In Georgia theft of services involves receiving a service, entertainment or an
accommodation with no intention of paying for it. This includes not paying for maid service, not
paying for a hotel room or meal, or item that requires payment of some sort. Georgia theft law
ensures that service providers are able to collect the fee they are due by making the theft of services
a crime.
▪ Theft by receiving stolen property: This type of theft is a crime which involves receiving stolen goods
whether or not you are aware that they are stolen. You have committed a Georgia theft crime if you
receive, get rid of, or keep property that you know or should know is stolen.
▪ Theft of lost or mislaid property: Many people may not realize that this is a crime under Georgia
theft law. If, for example, you find a lost wallet and make no effort to return it to its rightful owner,
then you have now committed theft of lost or mislaid property. Effort needs to be made to return
the property under the law.
▪ Shoplifting: Shoplifting has its own specific punishments under Georgia theft law. Shoplifting includes
any attempt to conceal an item, change the listed price, or failing to pay in full for an item removed
from a store. Unlike the other Georgia theft crimes, a misdemeanor conviction involves stealing an
item under $300; a felony shoplifting conviction involves stealing items that are worth more than
$300.
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/crime-penalties/petty-theft-georgia-
penalties-defense
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/crime-penalties/petty-theft-georgia-penalties-defense
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/crime-penalties/petty-theft-georgia-penalties-defense
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Page 27 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
CRIMINAL TYPOLOGIES
Occasional Property Crimes
Most occasional property criminals lack a past official history of criminality. They exhibit little
progressive knowledge of criminal techniques or of crime in general. In contrast to career
criminals or even conventional criminals, crime is not their sole or major means of livelihood,
and they do not view themselves as criminal. Not identifying with criminal behavior, they have
little of the vocabulary or “street sense” of the conventional criminal.
Under the category of occasional property offenses, discussion will center on shoplifting,
vandalism, motor vehicle theft, and check forgery. (Professional crimes of these types will be
discussed later.) Surprisingly, there have not been many studies that focus on occasional and
ordinary property offenders (Hepburn, 1984; Shover, 1983).
Shoplifting
The polite term for shoplifting used by the retail trade industry is “inventory shrinkage”—quite
literally, goods have disappeared or shrunk from the total of accountable inventory. The slang
term “five-finger discount” is a less polite term for this same process. While shoplifting is
perhaps as ancient as trade or bartering, the post-World War II emergence of a consumer
society and of large retail chains has created both a greater desire and a greater opportunity for
retail theft. Inventory shortage costs in the United States account for about 2 percent of retail
sales; the actual proportion may be considerably higher, depending on location, product, and
clientele. Hollinger and Davis (2002) estimate the average retail firm loses 1.7 percent of gross
revenues to “inventory shrinkage.” Shrinkage refers to the losses that are due to shoplifting,
employee theft, vendor fraud, and administrative error. About one third of these losses are due
to shoplifting. The average shoplifter is caught with $200 worth of merchandise, and the U.S.
retail industry loses an estimated $10 billion per year to shoplifting. Many shoplifters are not
motivated by need, as illustrated in the case of actress Winona Ryder, shown in Photo 10.1.
The classic study on shoplifting is Mary Owen Cameron’s The Booster and the Snitch:
Department Store Shoplifting (1964), which was based on store records and arrest data in the
late 1940s; later research by L. E. Cohen and Stark (1974) supports her findings (see also
Klemke, 1992). Cameron distinguishes between “boosters” (or “heels”)—professional
shoplifters—and “snitches,” amateur shoplifters.
Boosters (to be discussed later in this chapter) are like other professional criminals in carefully
planning and skillfully executing their thefts and in concentrating on expensive items that can
be quickly converted to cash by prearrangement with a “fence” (dealer in stolen goods). On a
continuum of shoplifters, between the booster and the snitch are “shadow” professionals
(Hellman, 1970; Stirling, 1974, p. 120), individuals who in an avocational manner supplement
their legitimate incomes by stealing. The majority of shoplifters are snitches, amateurs or
individuals who do not view themselves as criminals. According to Cameron (1964), most are
females and the vast majority have no official history of previous recorded criminal
involvement. One example is the highly publicized case of Oscar nominee Winona Ryder, who
was arrested at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills for shoplifting. She stole $5,560.40 worth of
designer merchandise. Acquitted of burglary, she was convicted of grand theft and vandalism.
Authorities believe that most shoplifters have the money to pay for their stolen items. One
illustration of that is the case of Claude Allen. Convicted in 2006, Allen was at the time an
assistant to George W. Bush on domestic policy. He perpetrated a fraudulent return scheme at
Washington, D.C.–area stores. Taking purchased merchandise to his car, he would return to the
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Page 28 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
store later with his receipt and select duplicate items of what he had just bought and request a
refund for them. His take in 2005 was estimated at $5,000. His salary that year at the White
House was $161,000 (Rohrlick, 2007).
The most likely to be shoplifted in the United Kingdom in 2011 were choice cuts of meat,
expensive bottles of alcohol, and hi-tech items such as electric toothbrushes and smart phones
(G. Smith, 2011). Similar, small and expensive items are the most coveted in the United States.
The rate of male shoplifters was only slightly higher than the female rate. While there were
more adult shoplifters than juveniles, the latter were more frequently caught. Shoplifting
increases during the Christmas shopping season, while shoplifting arrest rates increase in
March (Spring Break). An annual survey conducted by Richard Hollinger of the University of
Florida on behalf of ADT Security Services estimated the losses for inventory shrinkage in 2006
to be $40.5 billion and that 47 percent of this ($19 billion) was due to shoplifting (“Shoplifting
Costs U.S. Retailers,” 2007).
Most snitches steal small, inexpensive items for their own personal use. In most instances, they
have on their person sufficient funds to cover the stolen items. Such snitches come from all
walks of life. Nettler (1982, Vol. 3) indicates, for instance, that “theories of poverty and low
education and shoplifting would surprise store owners in university towns who experience
three times the amount of theft as stores in other neighborhoods” (p. 106). Most snitches
simply do not anticipate being caught. In the past when snitches were apprehended, most
stores avoided lawsuits or possible adverse publicity by releasing the offenders after brief
admonishment. When apprehended, snitches usually attempt to rationalize or excuse their
behavior. For the middle-class offender with a psychology bent, “kleptomania”—a compulsion
to steal—becomes a handy rationalization.
Adventure, excitement, need, greed, or simply available opportunity or inadequate security
may prove to be more likely reasons. Cameron (1964) claims that most snitches, when caught
and faced with an unacceptable criminal self-image, cease shoplifting.
Sensormatic Electronics assumes that shoplifting tends to increase during recessions— “when
the going gets tough, some of the tough go shoplifting” (A. Newman, 1990). Sensormatic
produces a variety of equipment, including security tags attached to articles that will set off
alarms if the article is taken from the store without the tag having been removed by a
salesperson. Dabney, Hollinger, and Dugan, in “Who Actually Steals? A Study of Covertly
Observed Shoplifters” (2004), used closed-circuit television to observe shoppers and recorded
their demographic and behavioral characteristics. A significant number (8.5 percent) were
determined to be shoplifters. They found that juveniles and young adults were not more likely
to shoplift. Middle-aged shoppers (35–54) were the most common shoplifters. More research is
needed in order to confirm this finding. A number of states have passed antishoplifting statutes
that enable retailers to stick shoplifters with some of the cost of security. “Civil demand” letters
are sent to the accused shoplifters or their parents asking for payment of a $100 to $200
penalty in addition to the returned merchandise in exchange for the retailer not suing for civil
damages (Schellhardt, 1990).
Offenses against property, among the earliest to be punished under formal legal systems,
include a wide variety of violations usually labeled larceny (theft). These offenses can be
committed by a variety of criminal types, two of which are discussed and contrasted in this
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Page 29 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
chapter: occasional property criminals and conventional property criminals. Career criminality is
characterized by identification with crime, criminal self-concept, group support, association
with other criminals, progression in criminality, and crime as a sole means of livelihood. While
occasional property offenders are the antithesis of career criminals, conventional property
violators are on the bottom rung of the ladder of career criminality. Occasional property
offenders commit their crimes relatively infrequently, irregularly, crudely, and without
identifying themselves as criminals. Conventional criminals commit their offenses more
regularly and tend to aspire to career criminality. Occasional property criminal behavior
includes most, but not all shoplifting, vandalism, motor vehicle theft, and check forgery.
Cameron distinguishes between two types of shoplifters: boosters (professionals) and snitches
(amateurs). The majority of snitches have no previous criminal history, do not identify with
criminality, and are deterred from future activity when threatened with formal legal processing.
Vandalism, the willful destruction of the property of others, has been identified by Andrew
Wade as consisting of three types: wanton (senseless), predatory (criminal), and vindictive
(hateful). Wanton vandalism by juveniles is the most common type and usually represents an
extension of play activity. Motor vehicle theft also consists of a variety of types: joyriding, short-
term transportation, long-term transportation, and profit. Joyriders, who borrow a car for
temporary adventure, illustrate well the occasional property criminal. Check forgers have been
distinguished by Lemert as consisting of two types: naive check forgers and systematic check
forgers. The former, who are occasional property criminals, write bad checks as a means of
resolving a temporary crisis. The bad check writing is a result of closure, or limited possibilities
for solving this problem. Conventional property criminals are those who commit larceny-theft
and burglary on a fairly persistent basis, constituting a rudimentary form of career criminality.
Such offenders are less skilled and organized than their professional counterparts and
represent about half of the prison inmates in the United States. Most will eventually reduce or
cease their “careers” by their mid-twenties. Burglary involves the unlawful entry of a structure
in order to commit a felony or theft. This may include actual forcible entry, unlawful entry
without force, or attempted entry. As a rule, burglars attempt to avoid violence. Marilyn Walsh
identifies types of burglars. These include professionals, known burglars, young burglars,
juvenile burglars, and junkies, in decreasing order of sophistication and organization. Other
characteristics of burglars and burglary were described separately by Scarr, Repetto, and Pope.
Indispensable to property criminals and particularly burglars is the fence, a dealer in stolen
property. Successful police “stings,” or anti-fencing operations, were described. Most
conventional offenders are nonspecialists; they “hustle,” or take advantage of various criminal
opportunities. Larceny-theft, which includes a broad category of property crimes, makes up
over half of the index offense total and as a category constitutes a “wastebasket concept,” a
catch-all. Property offenses are more characteristic of youthful offenders, who tend to commit
crimes in groups. Arson, which has since 1979 been included as a UCR index offense, involves
any willful or attempted malicious burning of another’s property. Arson is described as a
special-category property offense because of the variety of motivations involved, including
(according to McCaghy’s typology) profit, revenge, vandalism, crime concealment, sabotage,
and excitement. Comparisons of criminal careers of occasional versus conventional property
criminals demonstrate that only the latter exhibit any level of commitment to criminality, and
even they are often youthful offenders whose property criminality peaks at age 16, halves by
age 20, and continues to decline thereafter. Societal reaction to occasional offenders is
relatively mild, but it is relatively strong against conventional property offenders.
Anthropological field research, such as that by Shover, suggests that programs aimed at
identifying and getting tough with “career criminals” must be careful to examine the interplay
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Page 30 of 30
CRJ 105 – Crime and Criminal Behavior
among employment, threatened incarceration, and aging of offenders lest they get tough at the
very time that most will mature out of crime. In sociology, professionals are those in
occupations who possess useful knowledge and claim a service orientation for which they are
granted autonomy. In this light, the term may be an inappropriate tag with which to designate
skilled, able grifters or intensive career criminals. It is so widely used in the literature, however,
that not to use the concept would be more confusing than to employ it. Sutherland’s classic
1937 work on the subject, The Professional Thief, describes some characteristics of professional
criminals as including crime as sole livelihood, planning, technical skills, codes of behavior, high
status, and an ability to avoid detection. Professional crime is a sociological rather than a legal
entity. The argot (specialized jargon) of the professional criminal world uses Depression-era
U.S. terms. Some examples include cannons (pickpockets), heels (sneak thieves), boosters
(shoplifters), and the con (confidence games). A continuum model of professional crime
presents crime as professional to the degree that it possesses the following characteristics: sole
livelihood, extensive career, skill, high status, avoidance of detection, criminal subculture,
planning, and “the fix.” The fix refers to the ability to avoid prosecution by compromising the
criminal justice process. The term scam refers to various criminal techniques or hustles.
Professional crime differs from occupational/corporate crime in that, in the former, crime is the
sole purpose of a business. Some examples of professional crime from Edelhertz’s typology
were presented, most of which are examples of fraud. Some professional crime might be
described as semiprofessional in that it involves less skill and planning. Sometimes called bunko
or flim flam or short con operations, these scams include the pigeon drop, the badger scam, the
bank examiner’s scam, postal frauds, circus grifting, boojo (a gypsy con game), and various
home-improvement frauds. The big con involves far more skill, more elaborate planning, higher
status victims, and much larger rewards for the criminal. Ponzi schemes are frauds in which
early investors in a nonexistent product are paid high dividends on the basis of money obtained
from later investors. Pyramid schemes require investors to seek a chain of other investors in
order to reap a promised high return. Examples of big con operations also included religious
cons. Various professional criminal trades were discussed in the chapter. These included
boosters, cannons, professional burglars, box men, fences, paper hangers, robbers, arsonists,
and auto thieves. Descriptions of careers of professional criminals are methodologically limited
by the need to rely on case studies and popular sources for many accounts. Most professional
criminals seek anonymity, know the police and members of organized crime, are very
deliberate in plying their trade, and avoid conspicuous consumption. They avoid rough stuff and
“heat” and attempt to minimize risks. Requiring skill and contact with others, most seek
subcultural support as suggested in Sutherland’s “differential association” theory. The
professionalization of criminal justice has appeared to reduce many of the previous
opportunities available in professional crime. The President’s Commission on Law Enforcement
and the Administration of Justice pointed to the importance of two essential elements that
explain the success of professional crime: “the fence” and “the fix.” The high cost of legal
defense also may be responsible for a portion of the decline of such crime.
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