FBI: console theft up 285% in the last three years

Christmas is just a little over a week away and with all those deals popping up, the buying just doesn’t stop. Word of warning, though. You’re not the only one with gadgets on your Christmas wishlist – thieves and burglars are on the prowl as well. According to the FBI, console theft over the last three years has shot up 285%.

Christmas is just a little over a week away and with all those deals popping up, the buying just doesn’t stop. Word of warning, though. You’re not the only one with gadgets on your Christmas wishlist – thieves and burglars are on the prowl as well. According to the FBI, console theft over the last three years has shot up 285%.

“Local and state police officers routinely see a spike in these type of crimes during the holiday season,” says FBI special agent Jason Pack. “Stolen electronics are easily sold on the street for quick cash.” This is precisely the reason that despite the falling overall theft rate, gaming systems and other electronic devices are far from pilfer-proof.

“Criminals are rational. They steal things that have high value, are easily transportable and easily sold,” says University of Massachusetts-Lowell criminologist Larry J. Siegel.  “The most expensive thing in my house is my refrigerator, but nobody is trying to steal my refrigerator.”

[via USA Today]