THE GEOGRAPHY OF (IDENTITY) CRIME: USING GEOGRAPHIC PROFILING PRINCIPLES AND ASSUMPTIONS TO EXPLAIN CRIMINAL CHOICES IN ATM SKIMMING OFFENCES

Adam Marsden1
1Queensland University Of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

Geographic profiling is a tool used to assist investigators to locate the possible operating base of an offender through the analysis of a linked crime series. Theories and principles such as ‘journey to crime’, ‘least effort’ and ‘routine activity’ allows the success of geographic profiling. Because hands-on crimes such as rape, burglary, arson, and murder have the deepest impact on society, geographic profiling is commonly used on these offences to aid in investigative strategies while also providing an intelligence-led policing approach to future crime. Unfortunately, in the past, hands-off crimes such as identity crime, get left behind and have not been assessed as to whether geographic profiling may assist in their investigations.

This presentation uses 13 case studies from the NSW region to determine the average distance to crime of identity offenders involved in ATM skimming. Geographic profiling principles and assumptions are used to explain offender’s modus operandi and target selection. The presentation will explain how criminal’s choice of targets will be influenced by financial institutions particularly leading to the year 2020.

By using slides and tables, the presenter will provide the audience with a greater understanding of identity criminals distances to crime and an understanding of issues relating to target selection.


Biography:
Adam Marsden in an AFP officer of 12 years’ standing, specialising in fraud investigation. He was part of the AFP’s Identity Security Strike Team investigating criminal misuse of identity documents and was case officer for an investigation resulting in the bringing down of one of Australia’s largest identity crime syndicates.

Mr Marsden has advanced training in Geographic Profiling Analysis through California State University USA and a Masters in Fraud & Financial Crime through Charles Sturt University. He is presently researching at Queensland University of Technology’s Crime and Justice Research Centre, examining the influence of geographic profiling in fraud investigations.