Discussion : Property Crimes
CHOOSE ONE:
1) THEFT: Read the article, Confessions of a brazen middle-class shoplifter. What is your reaction to this person's actions? Can you related to her reasoning? Compare and contrast GST with one psychological theory in an attempt to explain shoplifting in the article.
How would each set of theories examine this shoplifter's crimes? How are the theories similar and/or different in their approach to understanding why people steal from stores? Who is the most likely shoplifter? If you were the owner of a retail store, what 3 tactics would you implement to prevent a person like this one from stealing from your business?
OR
2) Go to Fire Science College's List of 10 Famous Arsonists and Why . Read several of the cases. What is the pattern among the causes?
In other words, according to the cases in this list what are most common motives for arson? What two theories can you compare and contrast to help us better understand why someone would want to set a dangerous fire with the intention to cause harm?
How would each set of theories examine arson? How are the theories similar and/or different in their approach to understanding arson? Who is the most likely arsonist ? If you were a fire prevention expert, what 3 tactics would you implement to prevent arson? Would it be related to laws, counseling, etc?
OR
3) Go to LAPD Crime Mapping Locate any community that interests you. Perhaps where you grew up, a community that you have or will visit, etc.
Examine their patterns for one of the property crimes covered in this chapter, i.e. burglary, theft, etc. What patterns can you identify: is there a specific day of the week, time of day, area that this crime occurs? Who is the most likely offender?
Who is the most likely victim? What two theories can you compare and contrast to help us better understand what motivates burglars or thieves?
How would each set of theories examine this crime? How are the theories similar and/or different in their approach to understanding theft? Who is the most likely thief?
Research the Neighborhood Watch Program. What are 3 tactics that they implement to reduce or control home robberies or larceny? What do you do to protect you/your family against burglary and larceny?