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Empirical Analysis of Motor Vehicle Theft in Israel, 1990-97

NCJ Number
197764
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 42 Issue: 4 Dated: Autumn 2002 Pages: 709-728
Author(s)
Sergio Herzog
Date Published
2002
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This is an empirical analysis of motor vehicle theft in Israel, 1990-1997.
Abstract
This study used formal crime data in an attempt to understand the offense and the offenders. The data were analyzed by logistic regression models, the final condition of the stolen motor vehicle serving as the dependent variable classifying the theft and the offender. Findings showed an increase in the frequency of the offense due to, among other things, increasing professionalism. Such findings are compatible with media and police reports and a public committee claiming that motor vehicle theft is part of a highly developed organized industry in which the stolen cars are transferred to the newly established Palestinian Authority (PA) for dismantling into parts for resale in Israel. Each motor vehicle theft type has its own characteristics and limitations: (1) joyriding; (2) self-transportation; (3) equipment supplement; (4) insurance fraud; (5) dismantling of car parts; (6) assignment of a new identity; (7) transfer across national borders; and (8) commission of another crime. In attempts to reduce the extent of motor vehicle theft, Israel has lowered taxes on imported car parts, prohibits purchase of used car parts from the PA, makes mandatory the marking of major motor vehicle parts, and established a national unit to handle motor vehicle theft. Notes, figure, tables, references