Motor Vehicle Theft

Motor Vehicle Theft

Abstract

During this assignment I will be providing a description of motor vehicle theft. I will also discuss suggested crime data about motor vehicle theft. Other areas I will also speak about are the motives behind this type of crime or possible explanations. I will discuss the connection between this type of crime and the locations these crimes take place. Lastly, I will list some prevention strategies that people can use reduce motor vehicle theft.

Motor vehicle theft is defined by the UCR/NIBRS as the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Schmalleger, 2009, pg. 63) The FBI states motor vehicle theft also includes trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor scooters, and snow mobiles. (Schmalleger, 2009, pg. 63) August has been identified as the prime month for motor vehicle thefts and majority of the thefts occur in the nation's cities. (Schmalleger, 2009, pg. 63) According to the UCR, motor vehicle rate has declined from 655.8 in 1990 to 258.8 in 2009. (Crime in the, 2009, Table 1) 72.1 percent of motor vehicle thefts that were reported stolen in 2009 were automobiles. (Crime in the, 2009)

Two motives that stand out for automobile theft can be associated with socio economic hardship and desperation. (Oliver, 2008) The socio economic hardship is individuals from a lower strata society and is usually the main suspects in automobile theft. (Oliver, 2008) Statistics indicate that auto theft generally occurs amongst the poorest individuals. (Oliver, 2008) Desperation is not always based on the inability to pay a bill but actual disparity. (Oliver, 2008) People who steal motor vehicles are willing to risk going to jail which help distinguish that the person must have been desperate. (Oliver, 2008) These motives are no surprise to me; in fact the economy seems to be the reason behind other crimes as well. People's income and social