THE PROFESSIONAL THIEF OPERATES AS PART OF A 'WORKING CREW', WHICH, IN TURN, IS PART OF A PROFESSIONAL BURGLARY RING. TIPSTERS, FENCES, AND FIXERS PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES NECESSARY FOR THE RING'S CONTINUED OPERATION. THE WORKING CREW IS ENLISTED FROM THE POOL OF THIEVES WHICH FORMS THE RING AND IS COMPRISED OF THOSE WHO POSSESS THE SKILLS NEEDED FOR A PARTICULAR JOB. THE TIPSTER, OR TOUT, INFORMS THE CREW ABOUT A JOB. A TIPSTER WHO IS ALREADY A MEMBER OF THE CREW IS CALLED A 'FINGERMAN'. OFTEN, THE FENCE ALSO ACTS AS THE TIPSTER. THE FIXER ARRANGES FOR BAIL/BONDS, OR LENIENT TREATMENT THROUGH THE USE OF BRIBES. OFTEN, BAIL/BONDSMEN ARE ARRANGED FOR IN ADVANCE. CASE HISTORIES OF SEVERAL RINGS ARE PRESENTED. RECOMMENDATIONS TO ALLEVIATE THIS CRIME INCLUDE UPGRADING POLICE PATROL; INCREASED STAFFING OF REGIONAL INVESTIGATIVE UNITS; CREATING MAJOR INVESTIGATIVE UNITS; FULL-TIME, ADEQUATELY PAID PROSECUTORS; UPGRADING REGIONAL POLICE COMMUNICATIONS; LOCAL POLICE PARTICIPATION IN STATE POLICE INFORMATION SYSTEMS; MORE MOBILE CRIME LABS; A FELONIOUS CONSPIRACY STATUTE AND TOUGHER FENCING PENALTIES; MORE USE OF ELECTRONIC SECURITY DEVICES; COMMUNITY SELF-PROTECTION PROGRAMS.