Sunday Funday Monday Leftover Knowledge Drip

Every Monday at 7pm central, TipsyRoo and I host (except when we don't) a live community event where, collectively, we solve a NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle (without using the internet!). Each week following the episode either I, or the community, will select a clue/answer from that puzzle and I will delve further into the history & look for fun facts.

Drip #5: Fence

Puzzle Date: January 31st, 2010
Puzzle Theme: Keep An Eye On It!
Episode: 45, recorded live on February 1st, 2021
Clue: One running a hot business?
Answer: fence

WHAT IS A FENCE?

No, it's not that dilapidated structure surrounding your neighbor's yard that looks as if it might one day collapse into yours, leaving you with the awkward task of confronting them to clean it up and inevitably offering to help because you're just that nice. Nor is it the sport, where two people wearing thick skin-tight pajamas and a noodle strainer over their face, swat at each other with flimsy antennas.

OK, great! Now that we’ve established what a fence isn’t, what is it?

A fence is someone that knowingly buys stolen goods and acts as a middleperson between thieves and eventual buyers. Fencing is often conducted through regular businesses such as a used goods store, auto salvage yard, or the more common one: pawn shops. However, the existence of these businesses does not imply that they are buying & selling stolen goods. Don't assume illicit activity is taking place.

BRIEF HISTORY

In this context fence is thieves slang from around the 17th century believed to be a shortened version of defense - the fence is serving as a layer of protection for the thieves; they sell to the fence for a reduced price to wash their hands of the activity and the fence sells at a higher price for profit.

Fencing was not a crime in England until 1691.

The 1700s saw rise to a role known as a "thief-taker": an individual hired to capture criminals.

During the Ming China dynasty, 14th-17th century, "In the salt mines, the penalty for workers who stole and/or sold salt was the most severe. Because of the enormous value of salt in Ming China, anyone who was arrested and found guilty of stealing and selling government salt was put to death."

MODERN DAY

E-Fencing! I suppose the exclamation point is unwarranted. In addition to PHYSICAL stolen items being sold on various auction and want ad sites, financial & personal information is also being stolen and sold....somewhere on the internet. Don't ask me where, I don't know and don't care to find out. I do wish those doing the stealing would redirect their efforts and do some good.

“HOT” FACTS

"Although the vast majority of the time, fences worked with physical stolen property, fences who also worked as itinerant barbers also sold information as a good. Itinerant barbers often amassed important sources of information and news as they travelled, and sold significant pieces of information to those who offered money. Often, such information was sold to criminals in search of places to hide or individuals to rob. In this way, itinerant barbers also served the role as a keeper of information that could be sold to both members of the criminal underground, as well as powerful clients."

Players always need someone in game to scoop up them hot items. Fences exist in modern video games, including one many should be familiar with: Skyrim.

A FINAL THOUGHT

My desire to embark on this Leftover Knowledge Drip adventure was driven by a mixture of wanting to do something additional for Sunday Funday Monday, expand my trove of useless knowledge by learning things I’d otherwise not learn, and to add more content to my blog. I gave myself a limit of one hour to research and compose a blog entry - I underestimated the amount of time it takes to try and write a decent post. But that’s OK!

This is an opportunity to practice writing, educate myself, and share that with whoever accidentally finds themselves in (on?) my blog. And so far, each “drip” has encouraged some interesting thoughts. Like the following:

Would theft exist if people had their needs met?

Don't trust that initial reaction. Think about it.

REFERENCES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fence_(criminal)

https://www.etymonline.com/word/fence

Sunday Funday Monday is the brain-child of TipsyRoo that I’ve been honored to be a part of as he continues to tolerate me. Past episodes can be found on YouTube. But it’s a much better viewing experience when viewed live.