INTRODUCTION

There is a worldwide debate underway concerning a multitude of issues about the Romani, Gypsies, and Travellers.  The information contained on this site does not attempt to cover each of those issues because doing so would only detract from the intent of the material under discussion.  If you desire a more detailed examination of this topic, it can be obtained through a book written by me and my co-author Dr. John Dowling. Details about this book can be obtained here --
LICENSE TO STEAL, the Traveling Con Artists, Their Games, Their Rules---Your Money

Here is an explanation of why I believe the information on this site is necessary:

1. It is hoped that by providing potential victims with an understanding of the crimes they are likely to encounter, that they will be in a better position to remove themselves from the potential victims list.  This includes crimes committed by individuals and organized criminal groups, which are listed elsewhere on this site.  This particular section is devoted to coverage on  Gypsy criminal groups.  The need to devote far more space to these groups than all others will be explained in this section’s articles.
   
2. For those who have already fallen prey to these criminal groups, this information should provide a better understanding of why they fell prey and, more importantly, what they can do to prevent future occurrences.
   
3. Law enforcement efforts to prevent the criminal activities of these groups are being thwarted by Romani activists, and others, who view all such attempts as being both unnecessary and racist.  Although these beliefs and allegations are wrong, some law enforcement officials have for various reasons chosen not to respond, and in some instances have made it easier for these criminal groups to operate. Why and how this is occurring will be discussed in detail

FORMAT

To illustrate the many problems that make any discussion about Gypsies so complex, I have decided to use a question and answer format.  During my 31 years of investigating the crimes committed by these groups I have had occasion to interact with the victims, the criminals, academicians who study Romani culture, various Romani leaders and other law-abiding Rom, law enforcement officers from throughout the United States and abroad, district attorneys, judges, politicians, social workers, human rights organizations, and others who have an interest in this topic.  During that time, I have become aware of the many questions, criticisms, and advice these groups and individuals have, and of their inability to reach a consensus on even the most basic issues.

Without a doubt, most of the frustration, anger, confusion, resentment, and illogical conclusions, that are very much a part of this topic, centers on the inability to reach an agreement on the use of the word Gypsy.  Because certain words and terms that have multiple meanings will be used throughout this section, here are some working definitions that you can either accept, modify or reject after you have read this material.

Romani:  The Rom are a distinct ethnic minority, distinguished at least by Rom blood and the Romani, or Romanes, language, whose origins began on the Indian subcontinent over one thousand years ago. (Patrin)
Romanes or Romany: The Romani language.
Roma:  This designation has no counterpart in ethnic reality in North America.  There are groups in  eastern Europe who call themselves Roma, but that is irrelevant for the American context.
Gadjo: a non-Romani man    plural = Gazho
Gadji: a non-Romani woman.
Gypsy: (as used by me)  a reference to a specific segment of the Romani population who call themselves Gypsies, and who support themselves through various organized and very predictable criminal activities.

All reference to organized crime is based on the following:

“Organized crime" is understood to be the large-scale and complex criminal activity carried on by groups of persons, however loosely or tightly organized, for the enrichment of those participating and at the expense of the community and its members.  It is frequently accomplished through ruthless disregard of any law, including offences against the person, and frequently in connection with political corruption.  (United Nations 1975, 8)

Start Here --      ISSUES

News Articles on Gypsies and Travelers
Petty Crime?  You decide.

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