1 Book Cover Here Chapter 20 BURGLARY Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past, 7 th Edition Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

2 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 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

3 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. Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

4 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 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

5 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 targeted Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

6 Stages of Investigation 1.Investigating crime scene and collecting evidence 2.Interviewing potential witnesses 3.Interviewing known fences 4.Using informants 5.Examining records 6.Tracing property 7.Identifying suspects Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

7 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 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

8 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 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

9 Suspects Most burglars are known to the police – Prior arrests – Drug users – Specific geographical area Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

10 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 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

11 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 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

12 Records and Other Sources Identification of stolen property – Serial and ID numbers on property – Scanners, barcodes NCIC NATB Credit card companies Chambers of commerce Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

13 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. Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

14 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. Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

15 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. Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

16 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 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved

17 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 Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved