[EAS]Site for Thieves

[pjk]

Subject:   Site for Thieves

Another example of community formation on the Internet.  --PJK
http://www.TheBurglar.com/default_frame.htm

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(from NewsScan Daily, 12 October 2000)

THIEVES' SITE DRAWS FIRE
A Web site devoted to the sale of stolen goods has raised the ire
of  British lawmakers, who point out that it is illegal to sell
stolen property  back to its owner. TheBurglar.com is accused of
violating the Theft Act by  charging people "reward" money for the
return of their possessions. Victims  of burglaries can post the
details of their losses on the site, and  burglars are then invited
to anonymously contact their victims by e-mail to  negotiate the
return of the stolen property. The site collects the agreed-upon
cash, and keeps it until the victim has verified receipt of the 
goods. TheBurglar.com then sends the payment to the address or
account of  the thief's choice. And despite outrage among law
enforcement officials,  TheBurglar.com likely will escape
prosecution. A note on its site reads: "  TheBurglar.com
Headquarter is placed in Copenhagen, but due to spite we  have
moved the office to a secret location." (ZDNet UK 11 Oct 2000)
http://www.msnbc.com/news/475316.asp