The increasingly menacing problem of identity theft is by now a well known phenomenon. However, most people mistakenly believe that the majority of identity theft occurs via the computer. Recent research has shown that only 12 percent of identity theft can be attributed to electronic theft; most identity theft is carried out by street level criminals who steal identities through the more traditional methods of stolen wallets, checkbooks, and mail. A profile of the urban identity thief is offered, followed by an analysis of why law enforcement does not pursue identity theft complaints with the same vigor as other crimes, such as drug trafficking. SLIT rings are defined and their common attributes are identified, such as the formation of loose cells with informal internal and external organizational structure. SLIT rings are compared to Triad societies, which are groups of loose knit groups or gangs brought together to conduct criminal activities. The division of labor within SLIT groups is discussed, as is the general organization of a SLIT ring, which typically encompasses three levels of participation. The conclusion urges law enforcement, researchers, and analysts to focus on the widespread and ever-increasing problem of street-level identity theft. Table, notes