Willing offenders outwitting capable guardians

Abstract

In this article we use the situational crime prevention theory to argue that the subcultures of 1 %-MCs – commonly known as ‘outlaw motorcycle gangs’ – and of trailer parks both provide willing offenders with ample opportunities to organise profitable crimes in the Netherlands. The simple fact of belonging to these groups generally is a powerful signal within the criminal subculture. Part of this message is that one must not try to challenge these capable and solid ‘stand-up men’, as the risk of a violent retaliation and a loss of face will be high. This in turn will have repercussions on the person and on his business. Another part of the message is that one must not inform the authorities, as the repercussions will occur, in the sense that the group will retaliate. This applies to members from the group itself as well. Three group characteristics – social bonds, reputation and the culture of silence – make the crime entrepreneurs from trailer parks and from 1 %-MCs feared and respected actors in the underworld. Both full colour members as well as crime entrepreneurs from the trailer community tactfully use these group characteristics for the organisation of crime. These group characteristics are instrumental in the creation of a void in which there are no capable guardians, both psychosocially (e.g. situations and relations in which social factors dominate individual behaviour) as well as physically (e.g. the respective club houses and trailer parks). Another advantage is that through intimidation and reputation psychosocial barriers are erected in order to prevent effective guardianship. Behind these barriers there is a safe social environment for the organisation of profitable crimes. By increasing the visible guardianship and decreasing the reputation, the crime triangle of willing offenders from both subcultures might be weakened, as the effective manipulation of psychosocial spaces will be countered.