If you’re a homeowner, there’s no question that you want to make your home as secure as possible against burglars. But even with the best locks, doors, and windows, there’s still a chance that someone will get in. How do burglars get caught, then?
Some burglars are caught because they are careless and leave evidence behind. Others are caught because they get sloppy and make mistakes. And still, others are caught because of good old-fashioned detective work or because they’re recorded on surveillance footage.
Therefore, whatever the reason, burglars typically do get caught – eventually. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons burglars get caught. Read on to find out!
Burglars Get Caught on Security Camera Surveillance Footage
Whether they break in during the day or at night, most burglars are caught thanks to surveillance footage from security cameras. Nowadays, every store, office building, and home has at least one security camera, sometimes dozens.
The footage from these cameras can be beneficial in identifying burglars and catching them red-handed. In many cases, the footage is clear enough to get a good look at the burglar’s face, which can then be used to create a composite sketch or to run a facial recognition search.
In other cases, the footage may show the burglar’s car or license plate, which can also help track them down.
They’re Caught Attempting To Sell Stolen Items at Pawn Shops or Second-Hand Stores
Burglars are always looking for a quick score. But they don’t realize that they’re painting a bright neon target on their backs by attempting to sell their stolen goods at pawn shops or other second-hand stores.
Most reputable businesses keep detailed records of the items they purchase, including descriptions, serial numbers, and photos. This information is then entered into a central database that law enforcement agencies can access. As a result, if a burglar attempts to sell a hot item, there’s a good chance that they’ll get busted.
They Leave Fingerprints or DNA at the Scene
Fingerprints are perhaps the most common form of evidence used to solve crimes. Every time a burglar touches something, they leave behind a unique pattern of ridges and valleys. These patterns can be lifted from surfaces using various methods and can be used to identify a suspect with a high degree of accuracy.
DNA, on the other hand, is much more specific. Even a tiny sample of DNA can be used to pinpoint an individual with near-perfect precision. And unlike fingerprints, DNA can be collected from tiny samples left behind at the crime scene. Hair follicles, skin cells, and even saliva can provide investigators with the information they need to catch a criminal.
You may want to review this YouTube video on the use of DNA in criminal investigations:
Citizens Who Notice Suspicious Activity Report It to the Police
It takes two to tango and a village to catch a burglar. How do burglars get caught? More often than not, it’s because an alert citizen notices suspicious activity and reports it to the police. If you see something, say something. That’s the mantra for catching criminals.
Forget about detectives staking out a place for hours on end or forensic teams combing through evidence. Most criminals are caught thanks to good old-fashioned tips from the community.
So next time you see somebody acting suspiciously, don’t be afraid to give the police a call. It just might help to catch a criminal in the act.
They’re Busted By Electronic Trackers on Some of the Stolen Valuables
Like in the movies, many burglars are caught thanks to an electronic tracker concealed in one of the stolen items. While this may seem like something straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, it’s a fairly common practice for law enforcement agencies.
By planting a tracking device in a piece of property that is likely to be stolen, police can keep tabs on the thief’s movements and eventually apprehend them. In some cases, the tracker may even be hidden in what appears to be an ordinary item, such as a lamp or vase.
They Forget To Turn Off Their Cell Phone
Usually, burglars get caught because they made a silly mistake- like forgetting to turn off their cell phones. When law enforcement officials investigate a crime, they’ll often look at the suspects’ cell phone records to see if any calls were made or received around the time of the burglary. If they find a call near the crime scene, it can be used as evidence to help catch the culprit.
They Brag About Their Crimes
You would think that after successfully burglarizing a home, the last thing a criminal would want to do is brag about it. But surprisingly, law enforcement officials say that boasting about break-ins is one of the most common ways burglars get caught.
In fact, “loose lips sink ships” is especially true regarding crime. By sharing details about their exploits with friends or on social media, burglars provide investigators with valuable information that can be used to identify and apprehend them.
In addition, bragging about crimes can also result in unwanted attention from other criminals, who may see an opportunity to score easy money by robbing the person who is foolish enough to broadcast their illegal activities.
They Try to Take Too Much Stuff and Get Caught
Burglars who try to make off with armloads of loot are more likely to be caught than those who take only what they can carry. That’s because the more stuff you take, the more likely it is that something will be left behind at the crime scene. And when investigators find evidence at the scene, it can be used to track down and apprehend the culprit.
In addition, burglars who take too much stuff are more likely to attract the attention of passersby, who may become suspicious and call the police.
They Leave Behind a Photo ID
One of the most common mistakes for burglars is leaving behind a photo ID. While it may seem like a prominent piece of evidence to avoid, many burglars overlook this potential mistake in the heat of the moment.
In the excitement of the burglary, they may forget to put their ID away or might be in too much of a hurry to care. Regardless, a photo ID can be critical in catching a burglar. If the ID is left at the crime scene, law enforcement will have a much easier time tracking down the perpetrator.
In addition, if the ID is linked to other crimes, it can provide valuable information that can help solve those cases.
Home Owners Maintain an Inventory of Items
Homeowners that keep an inventory of their valuables can’t do much to help catch a burglar. However, once a suspect is apprehended, such an inventory can be invaluable in convicting them of the crime.
If you want to maintain a record of all the items in your store, buying a Datalogic Kyman Data Collection tool from eBay.com might be worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Although burglars may take precautions to avoid getting caught, they often make mistakes that lead to arrest. Some of the most common ways burglars get caught include video footage and leaving fingerprints or DNA at the scene.
Security footage from security cameras is often used to identify perpetrators. Even if a burglar manages to avoid detection during the burglary, there’s a good chance they’ll be caught once the police have analyzed the evidence.
If you’re looking for ways to protect your home from burglary, remember that surveillance cameras are your best bet, and keep your doors and windows locked!
