1 book cover here chapter 20 burglary criminal investigation: a method for reconstructing the past,...

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Book CoverHere

Chapter 20

BURGLARY

Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past, 7th Edition

Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Burglary• Difficult crime to investigate• Affects all strata of society• Suspects have varying levels of skill• 23.8% of estimated property crimes in 2008• About 74% are of residences• More witnesses than one might suspect

– At the scene– Where property is disposed– Informants


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Model Penal Code Definition

A person is guilty of burglary if s/he enters a building or occupied structure, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof, with purpose to commit a crime therein, unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for burglary that the building or structure was abandoned.


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Statistical (UCR) Definition

• Unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft

• Use of force is not required to classify offense as burglary

• A theft need not be committed to establish a burglary charge


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Conducting the Investigation

• Need to understand the repetitive nature and dynamics of burglary

• Offending begins at young age – around 25% of burglary arrests are of juveniles

• Race of juveniles arrested – White 60+%; Black 30+%

• Most burglaries unplanned• Easily transportable and disposable items

targetedCopyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All

Rights Reserved

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Stages of Investigation

1. Investigating crime scene and collecting evidence

2. Interviewing potential witnesses3. Interviewing known fences4. Using informants5. Examining records6. Tracing property7. Identifying suspects


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People: Victims and Witnesses

• Victims– Differential effects on victims (e.g., family

heirlooms; insurance)– Demographics and location of victim reveals much

about the suspect(s)• The Public / Witnesses

– Neighbors– Mail carriers– Delivery persons– Utility workers


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People: Suspects

• Modus operandi• Common techniques

– Prying, Picking, Pulling, or Smash and crash– Cutting glass, Slipping lock or “Loiding”– Brute force– Removing door panel– Entry through windows, doors, basement

windows and skylights, walls, or floors– Safe cracking– “Second-story” job


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Suspects

• Most burglars are known to the police– Prior arrests– Drug users– Specific geographical area


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Evidence• Arrest of just one suspect can clear multiple

burglaries• Physical Evidence

– Search for physical evidence may require victim assistance

– Suspect DNA may be present

• Records and Other Sources of Information


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Physical Evidence

• A wealth is usually available• Most crime scenes contain much more

evidence than is discovered– Trace evidence– Fingerprints

• Crime scene search requires assistance of the victim

• AFIS• Latent fingerprints


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Records and Other Sources

• Identification of stolen property– Serial and ID numbers on property– Scanners, barcodes

• NCIC• NATB• Credit card companies• Chambers of commerce


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Investigation Checklist (Page 1/3)

• Determine location of building.• Determine description of building.• Determine date and time (hour) of entry.• Determine date and time location was last known

to be secure—estimate time of break.• Determine who reported burglary and how it was

discovered.• Determine where occupants were at time of

burglary.


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Investigation Checklist (Page 2/3)• Determine the state and condition of the location.• Determine if location had recent visitors.• Check other burglars in same section for similar

modus operandi.• Determine point and manner of entering.• Determine means of entry.• Photograph crime scene.• Determine stolen property.• Determine if identifiable laboratory clues exist.


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Investigation Checklist (Page 3/3)

• Determine names of any persons showing interest in stolen items.

• Determine if burglar did anything other than steal.• For multiple-family dwellings, check all occupants

and past occupants within a reasonable time back.• Conduct canvass to determine possible suspect

information.• Contact pawnshops and secondhand dealers for

stolen property.


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Follow-Up Activities

• Investigating the crime scene and collecting and preserving any available physical evidence

• Interviewing potential witnesses• Using informants• Examining records• Tracing property• Identifying suspects


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Conclusion: Solvability Factors• Type of building• Unique type of entry• Type of search• Distinctive property stolen• Eyewitnesses• Writing or markings left• Crime scene characteristics• Physical evidence


1 book cover here chapter 20 burglary criminal investigation: a method for reconstructing the past,...

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