Notes on Central American Gangs, Robbery, and Organized Crime

Central America is plagued by street gangs involved in robberies and murders across countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, with an estimated 100,000 members, including a significant percentage of young women.
Case Study: Benky
- Joined a gang at 14 after a traumatic initiation involving sexual exploitation.
- Engaged in underprivileged deviance, which refers to criminal behavior commonly observed among impoverished individuals lacking power or resources.

Robbery is defined as both a property and violent crime, characterized by the taking of property through violence or threat.
Components of robbery:
1. Deciding to rob - typically motivated by financial gain.
2. Selecting a target - often based on potential profit and perceived risk.
3. Planning the execution - varies from highly organized to spontaneous acts.

Most robbers decide to commit crimes for monetary reasons rather than seeking power via violence.
Myths vs. Realities:
- Myth: Robbery is purely a violent crime.
- Reality: It intertwines property theft with violence, yet largely revolves around financial gain.
Targets are chosen based on lucrative opportunities while minimizing risks (e.g., remote bank branches).

Unarmed robberies often lead to actual violence, while armed robberies typically use threat.
Statistics show unarmed robbery victims are at higher risk of injury due to perceived vulnerability.
Weapon Use in Robberies:
- Approximately 44.8% use strong-arm tactics, while firearms are involved in 36.4%.

Primarily occurs in urban areas and peaks during winter months, especially around holidays due to increased cash flow and limited witnesses.
Demographics of Robbers:
- Generally, robberies show a higher prevalence among men and are often influenced by racial factors.

Generally young and less skilled, committing crimes for immediate financial needs. They can be categorized into:
- Opportunist Robbers: target vulnerable individuals with little planning.
- Addict Robbers: driven by substance needs.
- Alcoholic Robbers: act impulsively during intoxication.

Plan meticulously and aim for larger scores. They often see robbery as a legitimate enterprise, comparing their ventures to businesses.

Two primary theories:
1. Relative Deprivation: Discrepancies between socioeconomic status and individual perception lead to frustration and crime.
2. Economic Abundance: More wealth generates instances of crime through available opportunities, i.e., proximity to valuables.

Auto theft is a prevalent crime with an increasing trend in carjacking, often violent and unmistakable.
Trends: Total motor vehicle theft significantly decreased due to better technology, but carjacking remains a serious issue with increasing violence.

Mainly driven by monetary motives, lack of enforcement, and potential profits from stolen parts.
Increased vehicle security inadvertently drives up carjacking incidents.

Defined as illegal entry with intent to commit a crime, primarily theft.
Myths: Many believe burglaries occur at night; however, they often happen during the day.
Motivations for Burglary: Include financial needs tied to an expressive lifestyle (e.g., partying).

A major issue costing U.S. retailers approximately $49 billion annually. It is largely influenced by social factors and economic conditions.
Demographics: Primarily juvenile offenders; underages largely represent shoplifters due to peer influence and social pressure.

Economic hardship prompts theft or rationalizations to psychological motivations, including thrills associated with theft.

Organized crime groups in the U.S. operate with hierarchical structures among various ethic groups, with the Italian Mafia being the most recognized.
Main activities include drug trafficking, racketeering, extortion, and infiltration of legitimate businesses.

Historically, organized crime has transitioned among Irish, Jewish, and Italian dominance.
Currently, new groups are emerging, but the Mafia continues to hold significant power despite recent declines.

The government has intensified efforts to combat organized crime since the 1980s through regulatory and law enforcement collaborations.

Organized crime looks similar globally, yet varies greatly in power and penetration within legitimate structures across countries like Italy, Japan, and Russia, often more pervasive than in the U.S.