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Article
Metal Theft in Context: An Opportunity Theory Approach
Justice Research and Policy (2012)
  • Chad Posick, Georgia Southern University
  • Michael Rocque, Northeastern University
  • Kevin Whiteacre, University of Indianapolis
  • David Mazeika, University of Maryland - College Park
Abstract
Although law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and communities have had to confront the issue of increasing metal theft for the past several years, almost no academic literature has attempted to examine the correlates of metal theft and subsequent policy implications. This exploratory study profiles the theft of metal from commercial and residential dwellings through analysis of recorded crime data from April 2008 through July 2010 in Rochester, New York. An opportunity framework guided the analyses. Spatial, trend, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine and better understand metal theft. Results indicate that an opportunity theory approach is useful in addressing metal theft and that this framework provides explicit implications for local law enforcement and policymakers.
Keywords
  • Metal theft,
  • Rochester,
  • New York
Publication Date
November 15, 2012
DOI
10.3818/JRP.14.2.2012.79
Citation Information
Chad Posick, Michael Rocque, Kevin Whiteacre and David Mazeika. "Metal Theft in Context: An Opportunity Theory Approach" Justice Research and Policy Vol. 14 Iss. 2 (2012) p. 79 - 102 ISSN: 1525-1071
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/chad_posick/8/