Forensic characteristics of thefts during martial law

It is noted that today it is relevant to study the methods of concealing crimes, in particular thefts, since offenders actively use various methods to destroy, falsify or mask traces at the scene of the crime. In particular, gloves are used, palms are treated with varnish or degreasing substances, shoes of an unusual size or type (for example, women’s), changing the appearance of stolen items or their purpose. As established by practice, the main elements of the forensic characteristics of thefts (Article 185 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) are: a) the method of committing thefts; b) the subject of the criminal offense; c) a typical trace pattern; d) the identity of the criminal; e) the identity of the victim. However, it can be noted that the methods of committing thefts, as a rule, can be introduced, that the concept of «theft» covers a significant range of crimes that differ from each other in the subject of the criminal offense, the method of committing and concealing, the place of implementation of the criminal plan, etc. Typical actions of criminals in preparation for committing theft include: choosing the object of theft, including the future victim; studying the object of theft and the situation in which the criminal will have to act; selection of the most effective method of direct seizure of property, as well as preparation of the necessary technical means that facilitate the implementation of the criminal intent; selection of a method of concealing traces of theft, including concealing or selling stolen items; preliminary collusion between accomplices in the theft, distribution of roles and determination of the role of each in the future crime, as well as, if necessary, provision of an «aliby». It was found that in practical work the most common are thefts from premises. They have much in common: the similar nature of traces and tools of burglary, similarity of circumstances of commission, and so on, which allows us to group the methods of direct penetration into the premises: the first group of methods of committing thefts from premises consists of actions committed with the use of technical means that facilitate the implementation of the criminal intent: the second group consists of methods of committing thefts of property, material values from premises, access to which is relatively free. The directions of procedural actions for the purpose of concealing thefts by criminals are proven: measures are taken to mask, destroy and falsify traces at the crime scene.