What is a fence criminal?

What is a Fence Criminal?

A fence criminal, also known as a fence or a receiver, is a person who purchases stolen goods from thieves or other criminal organizations and then sells them to unsuspecting buyers, often at a significant markup. Fencing is a type of white-collar crime that involves the illegal distribution of stolen property, which can include everything from stolen jewelry and electronics to rare artifacts and valuable documents.

The Role of the Fence

A fence typically operates by receiving stolen goods from thieves or other criminal organizations and then selling them to buyers who are unaware that the items are stolen. Fences often use various methods to disguise the origin of the stolen goods, such as:

• Concealing the stolen goods: Fences may hide the stolen goods in containers, packages, or other objects to make it difficult for law enforcement to detect.
• Disguising the stolen goods: Fences may alter or modify the stolen goods to make them appear legitimate or to conceal their true identity.
• Using middlemen: Fences may use middlemen or go-betweens to purchase stolen goods from thieves and then sell them to buyers.

Types of Fences

There are several types of fences, including:

• Receivers: These are fences who receive stolen goods directly from thieves and then sell them to buyers.
• Middlemen: These are fences who act as intermediaries between thieves and buyers, purchasing stolen goods from thieves and then selling them to buyers.
• Export fences: These are fences who export stolen goods to other countries or territories.
• Virtual fences: These are fences who operate online, selling stolen goods to buyers through the internet.

Examples of Fencing

Some examples of fencing include:

• Theft of jewelry: A thief steals a diamond necklace from a jewelry store and sells it to a fence, who then sells it to a buyer for a significant markup.
• Theft of electronics: A thief steals a laptop from a store and sells it to a fence, who then sells it to a buyer online.
• Theft of art: A thief steals a valuable painting from a museum and sells it to a fence, who then sells it to a buyer for a significant markup.

Consequences of Fencing

Fencing is a serious crime that can have severe consequences, including:

• Criminal charges: Fences can be charged with theft, receiving stolen goods, and other crimes.
• Financial penalties: Fences can be required to pay fines and restitution to victims of theft.
• Imprisonment: Fences can be sentenced to imprisonment, including lengthy prison sentences.

How to Prevent Fencing

To prevent fencing, law enforcement agencies and individuals can take several steps, including:

• Securing property: Individuals can secure their property by installing security cameras, alarms, and other devices to prevent theft.
• Reporting stolen goods: Individuals who are victims of theft should report the stolen goods to the police and provide detailed descriptions of the stolen items.
• Buying from reputable dealers: Individuals should only purchase goods from reputable dealers or sellers to reduce the risk of buying stolen goods.
• Working with law enforcement: Law enforcement agencies can work together to combat fencing by sharing information and coordinating efforts to catch and prosecute fences.

Fencing in Different Countries

Fencing is a problem in many countries around the world, including:

• United States: The United States has a significant problem with fencing, particularly in cities with high levels of crime.
• United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has a problem with fencing, particularly in urban areas.
• Australia: Australia has a problem with fencing, particularly in cities with high levels of crime.
• Canada: Canada has a problem with fencing, particularly in cities with high levels of crime.

Conclusion

Fencing is a serious crime that can have severe consequences for individuals and communities. To prevent fencing, law enforcement agencies and individuals must work together to combat this problem. By understanding the role of the fence, the types of fences, and the consequences of fencing, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their property from this type of crime.

Fencing Statistics

Here are some statistics on fencing:

Fencing Laws

Here are some laws related to fencing:

Fencing Prevention Tips

Here are some tips to prevent fencing: