ROBBERIES-
High-tech Solutions for Low-tech Crime
On
Sunday, October 28, The Herald published an article headlined “High-tech tools
foiling low-tech bank robbers” (http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121028/NEWS01/710289921#High-tech-tools-foiling-low-tech-bank-robbers%0A).
The
article points out that robbery is a high risk crime compared to the gain that
the robber may achieve. Low level robberies usually net only a few hundred
dollars compared to the average home burglary which nets an average of $1,700
in cash and goods.
Robbery
is considered a crime of violence by the criminal justice system. Therefore,
police pour more resources into solving robberies. Robbers use the threat of
force and harm to coerce victims into turning over cash or valuables. The likelihood
of harm both physical and psychological is very high during a robbery.
Local
police have improved their communications among police agencies. They also have
improved analytical tools and techniques that make their investigations more
effective. Banks also have become better at prevention, by keeping windows
clear (this allows outsiders to see into the bank easier, increasing risk to
the robber), by having security officers onsite and by greeting each customer
as they enter the building, by using sophisticated dye paks that identify
stolen money and the robber(s) and by using digital video that provides suspect
information quicker to police.
Note:
Most burglars are relatively low tech when it comes to entering homes. They can
easily kick in doors that do not have deadbolts or screws that are at least 3
to 3 ½ inches long. They can break windows for entry. Also, often, there are
not many witnesses to residential burglaries.
Finding
suspects can be hard. Detectives look for tips. A video of a stranger kicking
in a door can be very helpful. Property crime detectives also have to prove
that a burglary suspect has possession of stolen property.
If
a victim can provide a description of property stolen from them, serial numbers
where appropriate, pictures, detailed descriptions, then a property crimes
detective can check with local pawn shops for the property. Also, you may have
heard of victims checking ebay and Craigslist for their property. If they find
it they can point that out to detectives. But, most of the time, the detectives
do not have good descriptions of stolen property.
Currently, successful burglary
prevention requires convincing the public to take actions on their own that
takes away opportunities for burglars to steal by using techniques such as
using deadbolt locks on front doors, and Charlie bars on sliding glass doors.
And by giving a burglar the sense that committing crime in specific neighborhoods
is risky. Homeowners can do that by posting signs where they have an alarm,
placing cameras on their property, and participating in an active neighborhood
watch that calls 911 whenever they see suspicious activity.
