What You Should Know about Major Thefts
January 6, 2012 By Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Although statistics show that theft crimes are decreasing across the board, there is still a concern regarding major thefts. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is committed to stopping instances of art theft, gem theft, organized retail theft, and more. Accusations of major theft are sobering, not only because of the penalties, but because of the manpower and resources that the investigating agencies possess.
There are different levels of seriousness regarding theft crimes, some of these being burglary, larceny, robbery, fraud, shoplifting, embezzlement, and more. Major theft crimes include art theft, cargo theft, copper theft, jewelry theft, organized retail theft, and vehicle theft.
Approximately $6 billion is lost every year in art theft. Thieves usually take pieces of cultural property for two reasons: ransom or resale. Also known as artnapping, less than 10% of stolen art is ever recovered. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has stated that art theft is one of the highest costing crimes today, following the drug trade and illegal arms trade. The draw for thieves is plain. Pieces of art are small and therefore easily hidden and transported. They are also valuable; a single robbery of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum resulted in $500 million in losses. Museums have taken more serious measures to protect their expensive and historic pieces. However, security and alarm systems do not do much regarding the problems resulting from embezzlement.
Jewelry and gem thefts generally involve crossing state lines and country borders and are therefore investigated by agencies like the FBI. These crimes not only account for over $100 million in losses every year, but serious injuries as well due to the fact that the thieves are often armed. After a robbery has taken place, a fence may be used to sell the items. This is an individual who buys any stolen item and attempts to sell it legitimately or otherwise. They are, in essence, a middleman, and in some cases the buyer does not even know that the goods were stolen. Although the jewels or gems may have been stolen in one location, they may be fenced in a completely different area. According to authorities, the cities with the most amount of fencing are Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, and Houston.
A crime that is costing the U.S. $30 billion every year relates is organized retail theft. Credit card fraud, price tag swapping, and other forms of theft are leading to increased prices at stores across the county. They may also lead to injury as these stolen goods are often sold back to unsuspecting stores after they have been improperly stored or labeled. Cargo theft also falls under the umbrella of organized retail theft. Trucks, rail cars, planes, ships, or any other vehicle that carries goods have been targeted for theft, which has led to a 20% price increase for consumers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is Miami’s premier criminal defense law firm. As former state prosecutors, they have experience on both sides of the law, making them an invaluable asset to those who were accused of crimes like major thefts. A Miami criminal attorney from their team has handled cases of assault, DUI, domestic violence, murder, and white collar crimes. No matter how hopeless the situation may appear, they are dedicated to providing aggressive legal defense for their clients. The firm has a reputation for their aggressive defense and unwavering commitment to doing everything it takes to secure the freedom of their clients. To learn more about how they could help you, contact a Miami criminal defense lawyer from their team as soon as possible.
Copyright Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
More information about Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Approximately $6 billion is lost every year in art theft. Thieves usually take pieces of cultural property for two reasons: ransom or resale. Also known as artnapping, less than 10% of stolen art is ever recovered. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has stated that art theft is one of the highest costing crimes today, following the drug trade and illegal arms trade. The draw for thieves is plain. Pieces of art are small and therefore easily hidden and transported. They are also valuable; a single robbery of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum resulted in $500 million in losses. Museums have taken more serious measures to protect their expensive and historic pieces. However, security and alarm systems do not do much regarding the problems resulting from embezzlement.
Jewelry and gem thefts generally involve crossing state lines and country borders and are therefore investigated by agencies like the FBI. These crimes not only account for over $100 million in losses every year, but serious injuries as well due to the fact that the thieves are often armed. After a robbery has taken place, a fence may be used to sell the items. This is an individual who buys any stolen item and attempts to sell it legitimately or otherwise. They are, in essence, a middleman, and in some cases the buyer does not even know that the goods were stolen. Although the jewels or gems may have been stolen in one location, they may be fenced in a completely different area. According to authorities, the cities with the most amount of fencing are Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, and Houston.
A crime that is costing the U.S. $30 billion every year relates is organized retail theft. Credit card fraud, price tag swapping, and other forms of theft are leading to increased prices at stores across the county. They may also lead to injury as these stolen goods are often sold back to unsuspecting stores after they have been improperly stored or labeled. Cargo theft also falls under the umbrella of organized retail theft. Trucks, rail cars, planes, ships, or any other vehicle that carries goods have been targeted for theft, which has led to a 20% price increase for consumers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is Miami’s premier criminal defense law firm. As former state prosecutors, they have experience on both sides of the law, making them an invaluable asset to those who were accused of crimes like major thefts. A Miami criminal attorney from their team has handled cases of assault, DUI, domestic violence, murder, and white collar crimes. No matter how hopeless the situation may appear, they are dedicated to providing aggressive legal defense for their clients. The firm has a reputation for their aggressive defense and unwavering commitment to doing everything it takes to secure the freedom of their clients. To learn more about how they could help you, contact a Miami criminal defense lawyer from their team as soon as possible.
Copyright Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
More information about Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
View all articles published by Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
