The paper suggests a hitherto neglected link between approaches to understanding and controlling crime which focus upon the criminal event, and those which seek to do the same by concentrating upon the structural reasons for criminality. The author identifies a number of plausible processes that together suggest there is a complex interconnected relationship between the mechanisms involved in buying and selling stolen goods, burglary, and other theft. Knowledge of demand for second-hand goods may affect decisions to begin stealing, to continue stealing, where to steal, and what to steal. As changes in society influence the manufacture, advertising, desirability, levels of ownership, and demand for certain goods, these goods in turn become suitable targets for theft and resale to those who cannot afford or do not wish to pay high legitimate prices. The author hopes that this paper will provide some impetus for research into the effect of demand for second-hand goods on levels of burglary and other thefts, leading to the development of new methods of crime prevention. Figure, table, footnotes, references