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This book explores the little-known world of scrappers and metal thieves. Benjamin F. Stickle bases his study on field research collected while traversing communities with thieves and scrappers. Drawing on candid interviews, observations of criminals at work, and participation in the scrapping subculture, the volume describes the subculture of scrappers and identifies differences between scrappers and metal thieves. Through the offenders' perspective, often quoting their candid responses, Stickle explores the motivations for metal theft as well as the techniques and methods for successfully committing theft. The book discusses how these methods and techniques are learned and identifies ways-often through the thieves' own words-to prevent metal theft. Throughout the book, Stickle also challenges common assumptions about this community and identifies wider policy implications.
List of contents
1. Introduction.- 2. Approach.- 3. Taxonomy of Scrappers and Metal Thieves.- 4. Scrappers as Subculture.- 5. History, Harms, and Prevalence of Metal Theft.- 6.What We Think We Know About Metal Thieves.- 7. Metal Thieves.- 8.Techniques and Methods of Metal Thieves.- 9.Theft Partnerships & Learning.- 10.Social Controls of Metal Thieves.- 11.Conclusion and Implications for Public Policy.
About the author
Benjamin F. Stickle is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Administration at Middle Tennessee State University, USA. His research interests include metal theft, property crime, and policing.
Summary
This book explores the little-known world of scrappers and metal thieves. Benjamin F. Stickle bases his study on field research collected while traversing communities with thieves and scrappers. Drawing on candid interviews, observations of criminals at work, and participation in the scrapping subculture, the volume describes the subculture of scrappers and identifies differences between scrappers and metal thieves. Through the offenders’ perspective, often quoting their candid responses, Stickle explores the motivations for metal theft as well as the techniques and methods for successfully committing theft. The book discusses how these methods and techniques are learned and identifies ways—often through the thieves’ own words—to prevent metal theft. Throughout the book, Stickle also challenges common assumptions about this community and identifies wider policy implications.
