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Arson Problem - An Overview

NCJ Number
93542
Author(s)
W Stinnett; D Testa; J Thompson; R Walters; L E West; B White; B Wyatt; H Stidham; T Wilson
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This essay presents 1982 data showing the extent and cost of arson, followed by a listing of factors contributing to the proliferation of arson, a discussion of arsonists' motives, and an overview of those most likely to be involved in arson.
Abstract
In 1982 there were 910 deaths and 129,000 fires resulting from confirmed or suspected incendiary origin, causing $1,604,000 in direct losses. The growth of arson can be attributed to a number of factors, including high profits; a low risk of apprehension or imprisonment; a lack of uniform civil or criminal penalties for arson among the States; difficult economic times; and a lenient attitude toward arsonists among the public, juries, and judges. Profit through insurance fraud is the prevalent motive for arson, with other common motives being extortion, revenge, labor-related reasons, protest of riot, and vandalism. Psychological problems of various types also underlie a significant amount of arson behavior. Many of the individuals involved in the setting of fires are professionals who often have lengthy criminal histories. These persons may solicit business by seeking out persons having financial difficulties and enticing them to commit insurance fraud through arson. Organized crime is also a principal participant in arson, as it may be used as a means of eliminating or crippling competitive business, intimidating those who refuse to cooperate in protection scams, and as an enforcement measure in loan sharking. Another tactic of organized crime is to purchase a profitable business, insure it for as much as possible, siphon off the assets and inventory, and then 'torch' the buildings. Seven bibliographic listings are provided.

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