What does the term ‘fencing’ refer to in property crimes?

The term ‘fencing’ in the context of property crimes specifically refers to the act of selling or distributing stolen property. Fences are individuals or businesses that knowingly buy, sell, or trade stolen goods, serving as intermediaries between the thieves and the consumer market. This practice is crucial to understanding the operations of property crime, as it facilitates the movement of stolen items and creates a market for them. Recognizing fencing helps law enforcement target not only the original theft but also the distribution networks that support these criminal activities.

The other choices, while related to property crimes, do not accurately capture the essence of fencing. Hiding stolen property pertains more to concealing the goods rather than moving them into circulation, reporting stolen goods focuses on victims notifying authorities rather than the illegal market aspect, and the theme of a property crime investigation is a broader context that encompasses various elements of crime prevention and resolution. Hence, the definition linking fencing to the sale or distribution of stolen goods is the most accurate and relevant.