Do Police Catch Burglars? Techniques and Success Rates
Burglary remains a significant concern for homeowners, and the frequency with which police catch burglars is often a topic of discussion. While it can be rare for burglars to be apprehended during the act, law enforcement has indeed become more effective at nabbing culprits through various methods.
Increased Vigilance and Technology
Modern policing strategies have seen a significant improvement in catching burglars. For instance, one night not long ago, a loud argument outside a neighbor’s house caught my attention. Fearing a potential burglary, I called the police. In my desperation, I requested their hurry, but I didn't know how much time I was giving the potential burglar. By the time the police arrived, they had sent up three cruisers. This rapid response likely made a difference, contrasting with situations where the police may have arrived late, potentially allowing the burglar to escape and commit the crime.
To further enhance security, installing a prowl car in an area between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM could significantly deter burglars. If a prowl car were stationed here, not only would this serve as a preventative measure, but securing a burglar would be a significant achievement for the police, often referred to as the "feather in their cap."
Catch Methods and Examples
Police catch burglars in various ways. They may catch them during regular patrol or while responding to house alarm alerts. One of the funniest examples of police catching burglars occurred in a business. Two burglars tried to break into a restaurant next door to an insurance office. Unfortunately for them, they triggered a noise-sensitive alarm in the insurance office, which alerted the police. The officers conducted a thorough search and discovered where the restaurant had been burglarized. The arrested suspects were then placed under surveillance, and a perimeter was set around the entire building. As a result, the police managed to catch the burglars, demonstrating the effectiveness of responding quickly to potential crime scenes.
Techniques and Breaks for Success
Beyond rapid response, police employ a variety of techniques to catch burglars. According to research and anecdotes, police catch burglars approximately all the time. However, for a burglary case to be solved, the police need a "break," which can often be an unexpected turn of events. Fingerprints left at a crime scene, dropped ID cards, or burglars being related to victims can significantly contribute to an arrest. Furthermore, cooperation from other criminals who offer information in exchange for leniency can lead to the apprehension of burglars.
It's important to recognize that CSI shows often provide a false sense of security and false hope. In reality, fingerprints can't always be reliably collected if the surface is dusty or dirty. Moreover, most burglars do not sell their stolen items at pawn shops because such sellers are known to report suspicious activity. Instead, stolen goods are often sold directly to drug dealers or fence persons who deal in stolen property. Thus, a combination of critical evidence and opportunities for cooperation are crucial for police to catch burglars.