The Police Officer's Guide to Investigating Organized Retail Theft

Each year organized groups of professional shoplifters steal or fraudulently obtain billions of dollars in merchandise to resell in an activity known as organized retail theft. According to the FBI and industry sources, organized retail crimes, including theft, cost the United States about $30 billion a year.This book is designed to assist law enforcement officers with the initial response and investigation of organized retail theft related crimes including professional booster rings and sophisticated fencing operations. Topics include: What is Organized Retail Theft?The Types of Goods Targeted By Professional ThievesProfiles of the Thief-Casual Criminals and Professional Booster RingsMethods Used By Criminals-The Insider Threat, Fraud Schemes, and Other Techniques Used to Commit TheftInvestigating the FenceInternet Fencing (e-fencing)-eBay and CraigslistInvestigative IssuesInterviewing the Professional ThiefInformant DevelopmentLocating and Preserving Evidence and Intelligence