Their research projects led them to reach several conclusions. Among these are that both arrest and minor property crimes, especially first thefts, usually precede addiction; narcotics use levels facilitate and multiply the amount of property crime; and as addiction levels increase, high-risk, high-profit crime increases. Addicts become either 'dealers' or 'stealers.' Dealing is the preferred means of addiction support, and dealing increases narcotic use levels. The dollar amount of property crime is the most accurate indication of the degree of criminality. With a decrease in addiction, crime decreases. The authors observe that some popular beliefs about the dynamics of the addiction career, lack empirical support. They argue that maintaining addiction is a deliberate choice (begun by curiosity or bravado) and is not an illness. Finally, they conclude that legal intervention can reduce property crime. 3 figures, 3 tables, and bibliography.