Abstract

NORZA CESPEDES, Ervyn; DUARTE VELASQUEZ, Yeizon Andrés; CASTILLO ROMERO, Luisa Fernanda  and  TORRES GUZMAN, Giovanny Aurelio. Automobile theft and strategies against crime: a glance from the academy, the offender, and the PoliceRoubo de veículos automotores e estratégias contra o crime: um olhada da academia, do vitimário e da Polícia. Rev. Crim. [online]. 2013, vol.55, n.2, pp.49-78. ISSN 1794-3108.

The variables that should be approached in the study of automobile theft or robbery are identified, as well as the strategies designed to fight against this crime. For such purpose, a systematic search was carried out through diff erent scientific databases; a semi-structured interview was applied with people convicted in Colombia for automobile theft, and it was examined in contrast with the empirical evidence obtained through diverse analysis and field work carried out by the OBSER-DIJIN. The theory of rational choice and opportunity was used as a theoretical framework for the analysis. As a result, eleven variables involved in the occurrence were identified: a) profitability, b) technology, c) easy legalization, d) criminals' organizational level, e) security, f) informal surveillance, g) activity nodes, h) special conduct, i) penalty, j) trans-nationality, and k) instrumentalization; a holistic criminological vision integrating the elements connected to the occurrence was finally exposed, along with control actions suggested as a result of the multivaried analysis of the crime. The article concludes with recommendations that may be used in criminal police in countries or territories aff ected with this kind of criminality.

Keywords : Theft; robbery; falsification of vehicle plates; falsification of vehicle distinctive emblems; criminal policy.

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