Deck 5: Crime in the Streets—Against Property

Question 1

Define robbery and the motives of the different types of robbers.

Answer 1

Robbery is the act of taking or attempting to take something of value by force, threat, or intimidation. It is a serious crime that can result in significant legal consequences for the perpetrator.

There are different motives for committing robbery, and they can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances. Some common motives for different types of robbers include:

1. Financial gain: Many robbers commit crimes with the primary motive of obtaining money or valuable items. This could be due to financial desperation, greed, or a desire for material possessions.

2. Drug addiction: Some individuals may turn to robbery to support a drug addiction. The need for money to purchase drugs can drive people to commit desperate and dangerous acts.

3. Thrill-seeking: Some robbers may be motivated by the excitement and adrenaline rush that comes from committing a crime. They may not necessarily need the money or items they steal, but rather enjoy the risk and danger involved in the act of robbery.

4. Retaliation or revenge: In some cases, individuals may commit robbery as a form of retaliation or revenge against a person or organization they feel has wronged them. This could be motivated by a desire for retribution or to send a message.

5. Ideological or political motives: In rare cases, individuals may commit robbery for ideological or political reasons. This could include stealing from businesses or institutions they view as oppressive or corrupt, or to fund a cause they believe in.

It's important to note that regardless of the motive, robbery is a serious crime with significant consequences for both the perpetrator and the victim. Understanding the motives behind different types of robbers can help law enforcement and society as a whole address the root causes of these crimes and work towards preventing them.

Question 2

Define burglary and the interactions of the world that supports the crime.

Answer 2

Burglary is defined as the illegal entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft. This crime is supported by various interactions in the world, including social and economic factors.

Social interactions that support burglary include the presence of vulnerable or unsecured properties, as well as a lack of community vigilance. In neighborhoods with high crime rates or low community engagement, burglars may feel emboldened to commit their crimes. Additionally, social interactions such as peer pressure or criminal networks can also support the commission of burglaries.

Economic interactions also play a role in supporting burglary. High levels of income inequality can create a motivation for individuals to commit burglary as a means of obtaining wealth. Additionally, the presence of a black market for stolen goods can provide an incentive for burglars to continue their criminal activities.

Furthermore, technological advancements and the interconnectedness of the world can also support burglary. The rise of online platforms for buying and selling stolen goods can make it easier for burglars to dispose of their loot. Similarly, the use of social media and other digital tools can aid burglars in identifying potential targets and planning their crimes.

In conclusion, burglary is supported by a complex web of social, economic, and technological interactions in the world. Addressing these underlying factors is crucial in preventing and reducing the incidence of this crime.

Question 3

What are the types of motor vehicle thieves and their motives? Describe the types of shoplifters and the devices they may use.

Answer 3

Motor vehicle thieves can be categorized into several types based on their motives and methods. The joyrider thief is typically a young individual who steals vehicles for the thrill of driving them, often abandoning the vehicle after a short joyride. The professional thief targets specific makes and models of vehicles for resale or parts, often using sophisticated tools and techniques to bypass security systems. The opportunist thief seizes the chance to steal a vehicle left unattended with the keys inside, often for a quick joyride or to commit another crime. The chop shop thief steals vehicles to dismantle and sell the parts for profit. Finally, the fraudster thief may use identity theft or other fraudulent means to obtain vehicles for resale or illegal activities.

Shoplifters also come in various types, each with their own motives and methods. The amateur shoplifter is often a young person stealing on impulse, while the professional shoplifter is more organized and may work in groups to steal high-value items for resale. The kleptomaniac shoplifter suffers from a psychological disorder that compels them to steal, often without any financial motive. The booster shoplifter steals items to resell to fences or online, while the drug addict shoplifter steals to support their addiction. Shoplifters may use various devices to aid in their theft, such as booster bags to conceal items, or electronic deactivation devices to bypass security tags. Some may also use distraction techniques or work in teams to create diversions while others steal.

Question 4

What are the types of arsonists and what are their motivations?

Question 5

In what ways do Americans tolerate theft? How does Hoffman justify a 'rip-off philosophy'?

Question 6

Approximately half of all robberies are strong-armed.

Question 7

The majority of robberies, 82 percent, are committed by friends, family, and acquaintances.

Question 8

About half of all robberies result in the injury of the victim.

Question 9

Black males commit the majority of burglaries.

Question 10

Like robbery, burglary is more of an opportunistic crime.

Question 11

There has been a decrease in motor vehicle theft by joyriders, while profit motivated thefts have increased.

Question 12

Inventory shrinkage, or shrink, refers to merchandise that cannot be accounted for by inventory lists, sales receipts, damage, and so on.

Question 13

Boosters are shoplifters who take goods intended for their personal use.

Question 14

Studies have found that a shoplifter is more likely to be reported by a customer if the shoplifter is a male.

Question 15

Arson has the highest rate of juvenile involvement than any other index crime.

Question 16

The premise of the rip-off philosophy is that American society is a rip-off and that the major corporations in particular and capitalism in general are guilty of far greater crimes than any individual.

Question 17

According to the 1993 UCR robbery, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft represent approximately ________ of all index crimes.

Question 18

The ______________ is the most common type of robber.

Question 19

The burglary rate, according to the UCR and the NCVS, has been _________.

Question 20

___________________ is the highest reported crime.

Question 21

_________ is an emotional condition in which individuals obtain psychological satisfaction from setting and watching fires.

Question 22

Crimes against property constitute about __________ of all reported index crimes.

A) over 90%
B) 75%
C) 55%
D) 35%

Question 23

According to available data, robbery victims are:

A) older and richer than their offenders
B) younger and poorer than their offenders
C) similar in characteristics to their offenders
D) all young females

Question 24

Robbery is often regarded as a crime against the person rather than a crime against property. Which of the following is true concerning robbery offenses?

A) In most robberies the victims are injured.
B) a weapon is used in the great majority of robberies.
C) Victims in no-gun robberies are more likely to be injured than are victims in gun robberies.
D) No force at all is used in most robberies.

Question 25

The major factor distinguishing types of robbers is:

A) the extent of drug use
B) educational level
C) amount of force used
D) degree of offense planning
E) ethnic background

Question 26

The most common type of robber probably is the:

A) professional
B) addict
C) opportunist
D) alcoholic

Question 27

The property offense in which the successful offender especially relies on connection with person in the conventional world is:

A) robbery
B) burglary
C) motor vehicle theft
D) pyromania
E) hypothermia

Question 28

A "tipster":

A) is an alcoholic robber
B) helps burglars locate targets
C) is a police informant
D) assists professional auto thieves in obtaining false ownership papers
E) none of the above

Question 29

According to the Uniform Crime Reports and the National Crime Victimization Survey, which crime has drastically increasing rates?

A) Robbery
B) Burglary
C) Auto theft
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Question 30

In which of the following crimes are the offenders becoming more professional?

A) Robbery
B) Burglary
C) Auto theft
D) Shoplifting

Question 31

One type of auto theft appears to be on the decline. It is:

A) joyriding
B) felony-motivated
C) long-term
D) professional

Question 32

The Uniform Crime Reports category "larceny-theft" includes:

A) fraud
B) embezzlement
C) writing of worthless checks
D) all of the above
E) none of the above

Question 33

Most shoplifters are:

A) boosters
B) professionals
C) amateurs
D) shrinks

Question 34

The "typical" shoplifter is:

A) a non-white juvenile male
B) a white teenage male
C) a white female in her early twenties
D) a non-white female in her early thirties
E) a male of either race in his early twenties

Question 35

"Shadow professionals" is a term associate with:

A) unsuccessful robbers
B) cat burglars
C) joy riders who decide to keep the cars
D) juvenile arsonists
E) none of the above

Question 36

Studies dealing with shoplifting agree that:

A) drug addiction is the major motivation behind the offense
B) the majority of customers who observe the offense do not report it
C) the offender's social class and sex are the most crucial
D) all of the above
E) none of the above

Question 37

According to arrest statistics, the crime involving the highest percentage of persons under 18 years of age is:

A) robbery
B) burglary
C) auto theft
D) shoplifting
E) arson

Question 38

Pyromania is an emotional condition leading to:

A) firesetting
B) joy-riding
C) shoplifting
D) murder during robberies
E) none of the above

Question 39

The most frequent motivation for arson appears to be:

A) pyromania
B) vandalism
C) revenge
D) crime concealment
E) profit

Question 40

According to your textbook, the public's failure to report property crimes:

A) is not unreasonable in light of police inefficiency
B) is unreasonable since police clear by arrest the same proportion of property crimes as of crimes against the person
C) is unreasonable since over half of all reported property crimes result in an arrest
D) b and c above
E) none of the above

Question 41

The "ripoff philosophy" rationalizes:

A) professional murder
B) theft from large organizations
C) the use of force to solve personal problems
D) stealing cars
E) arson for revenge