What is a fence in crime?

A fence in the context of crime is a person who buys and sells stolen goods. They often act as intermediaries between thieves and buyers, providing a way for thieves to monetize their stolen goods while remaining in the shadows.

Fencing is illegal and considered a form of organized crime. Fences can operate independently or as part of larger criminal organizations, such as street gangs or mafia groups.

Fences typically work by establishing a network of connections with thieves who steal goods and then sell them to the fence at a discounted rate. The fence then sells these stolen goods to buyers, often at a higher price than the market value.

Fences often operate in secret and take precautions to avoid detection by law enforcement. They may use coded language, operate in hidden locations, or use intermediaries to conduct their transactions.

Law enforcement agencies around the world have measures in place to combat fencing activities, including conducting surveillance operations, undercover stings, and tracing stolen goods back to the original thieves. Convictions for fencing can result in significant jail time and fines.