Going for the Bling: Hollywood Burglars

Social Control
Sasha Mora #5

This article was found in the New York times. It is about seven individuals all under the age of thirty, most of which are still teenagers, who broke into the homes of well known celebrities and stole their belongings. It is reported that these individuals began stealing things from random vehicles they would pass. They would check to see if the car was left unlocked and if so they would take things. From this the individuals began to steal from the homes of celebrities. Strategically they used the internet to find the addresses of their victims. Their internet sources also provided them with information on when the stars would be attending events and therefore would not be home. Some of the stars, such as Paris Hiltin, left back doors unlocked and left their homes easy to enter. Paris Hiltin also left her safe unlocked, which made her a victim that the group of robbers visited numerous times. Not all of the individuals have been charged yet nor have they all declared their plea. However, near 2 million dollars of the missing merchandise was found in the accused homes. There is still more missing, but most of the individuals are cooperating and sharing more and more information concerning the burglaries.
I thought this article related to social control because unlike those who run away or simply live up to the labels they are given, these individuals are amused and desire to be given these labels. In interviews, the demeanor of those charged with the burglaries has shown that this is thought of as a game to some of them. Others are said to have talked about the burglaries proudly and flaunted that they had gotten away with so much merchandise from so many stars. It seems as though this group is loving the attention that they are given and acting as though publicity, even though in this case it is negative, is still better then no publicity or attention at all. The information I have found makes this group seem as though they are proud of the labels being given to them and enjoying the attention.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/fashion/15bling.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1&sq=steal%20from%20paris%20hilton&st=cse&scp=1