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  • © 2017

Metal Scrappers and Thieves

Scavenging for Survival and Profit

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Provides glimpses into the relatively unexplored subculture of scrapping and metal theft
  • Creates a fascinating taxonomy of the "scrapper type"
  • Provides guidance on metal theft prevention techniques and policy implications

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Table of contents (11 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xviii
  2. Introduction to Scrapping

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Introduction

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 3-14
    3. Approach

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 15-29
    4. Taxonomy of Scrappers and Metal Thieves

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 31-49
    5. Scrappers as a Subculture

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 51-77
  3. Primer on Metal Theft

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 79-79
    2. History, Harms, and Prevalence of Metal Theft

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 81-102
    3. What We Think We Know About Metal Thieves

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 103-120
  4. Metal Thieves in Their Own Words

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 121-121
    2. Metal Thieves

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 123-144
    3. Techniques and Methods of Metal Thieves

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 145-171
    4. Theft Partnerships and Learning

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 173-191
    5. Social Controls of Metal Thieves

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 193-212
    6. Conclusion and Implications for Public Policy

      • Benjamin F. Stickle
      Pages 213-223
  5. Back Matter

    Pages 225-227

About this book

This book explores the little-known world of scrappers and metal thieves. Benjamin F. Stickle bases his study on field research collected while traversing communities with thieves and scrappers. Drawing on candid interviews, observations of criminals at work, and participation in the scrapping subculture, the volume describes the subculture of scrappers and identifies differences between scrappers and metal thieves. Through the offenders’ perspective, often quoting their candid responses, Stickle explores the motivations for metal theft as well as the techniques and methods for successfully committing theft. The book discusses how these methods and techniques are learned and identifies ways—often through the thieves’ own words—to prevent metal theft. Throughout the book, Stickle also challenges common assumptions about this community and identifies wider policy implications.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Criminal Justice Administration, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, USA

    Benjamin F. Stickle

About the author

Benjamin F. Stickle is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Administration at Middle Tennessee State University, USA. His research interests include metal theft, property crime, and policing.

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Metal Scrappers and Thieves

  • Book Subtitle: Scavenging for Survival and Profit

  • Authors: Benjamin F. Stickle

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57502-5

  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham

  • eBook Packages: Social Sciences, Social Sciences (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2017

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-57501-8Published: 28 July 2017

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-319-86179-1Published: 02 August 2018

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-57502-5Published: 19 July 2017

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XVIII, 227

  • Number of Illustrations: 24 illustrations in colour

  • Topics: Ethnography, Social Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Crime and Society

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access