Running head: PRIME TARGETS FOR CRIME 1

Prime Targets for Crime

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

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Prime Targets for Crime

In our society there will inevitably be highly sought-after products or objects that draw

the attention of thieves and vandals. Whether it be expensive jewelry, nice shoes, or even food

and supplies during a natural disaster, there will always be items that hold a high value to others

that may want to take them. In the world of crime prevention these objects are called “Hot

Products”. These items can help explain “the existence and distribution of hot spots” (Lab 209)

for crime. These products fall in line with the idea of “VIVA” or Value, Inertia, Visibility, and

Accessibility, as well as “CRAVED” which stands for Concealable, Removable, Available,

Enjoyable, and Disposable which can explain why these items are so desirable.

When it comes to jewelry, clothes, and shoes, thieves are more likely to take these items

if they are expensive. This is because the person sees a lot of value in these items. They can

either be used for social upwards movement or they can be sold for cash. These items fall in line

with the ideas of “VIVA” and “CRAVED” because they are high in value, may be easy to hide

and move, may be visible and accessible to thieves due to one’s lifestyle, and can be enjoyable

and disposable, especially if there is a market for these items.

Food and supplies can also be highly sought-after products, especially after a natural

disaster or pandemic. This can cause theft to rise in areas with a lot of food and supplies, whether

it be grocery stores, or houses in wealthy neighborhoods that are always stocked. Take for

instance the toilet paper shortage during the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In Hong

Kong, armed robbers made off with 600 rolls of toilet paper after the depletion of stock in

February of 2020. Another example from the beginning of the pandemic is from Canada. The

theft of protective gear from hospitals left them no choice but to lock up all masks and other

gear. These items align with “VIVA” and “CRAVED” because they have a high value, are easy
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to steal and transport, are very accessible, and are disposable. This goes to prove that something

does not have to be expensive to be high in value because “Value is determined by potential

offenders and not necessarily the monetary cost of the item. What has value today may not be of

interest tomorrow” (Lab 209).

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References

Lab, S. P. (2016). In Crime prevention: Approaches, practices, and evaluations. essay,

Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.

BBC. (2020, February 17). Coronavirus: Armed robbers steal hundreds of toilet rolls in Hong
Kong. BBC News. Retrieved April 10, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-
china-51527043

CBC/Radio Canada. (2020, April 10). Thefts in hospitals lead to lockup of masks, protective
gear amid covid-19 supply shortage | CBC News. CBCnews. Retrieved April 10, 2022,
from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ppe-thefts-at-hospitals-1.5528748