Burglary - Practical Procedures

Question 0

Victim support

Answer 0

Take time for the victim
What other assistance could you provide?
Support groups
Provide crime prevention advise

Question 1

Problem solving techniques

Answer 1

Organise crime prevention talks
Neighbourhood watch in the area?
Modify actions/attitudes of offender(s)
Report to Intelligence section to get a analysis and issue a DPR (direct patrolling report)

Question 2

Scene examination - initial action - on the way to the scene

Answer 2

What type of premises are you going to?

Assistance required?

Question 3

Scene examination - initial action - on arrival

Answer 3

Park short distance from premises
Silence is golden
Coordinate others
Dog handler?
Liaise with key holder
Search systematically 
If suspect found - interview thoroughly

Question 4

Scene examination - approach

Answer 4

Look for:
Tyre marks, footprints, any property left behind, points of entry

Take control samples if required

Question 5

Scene examination - point of entry (POE)

Answer 5

Ask:
Has the "break" been committed?
How was entry gained?
Was an instrument used?
Examine for:
Fingerprints, fibres, clothing, blood
Take control samples of blood, glass chips, paint chips

Question 6

Scene examination - NO point of entry (POE)

Answer 6

Hidden key found?
Skeleton key used?
Celluloid strip used?
Any collusion with an employee?

Don’t overlook a false complaint!

Question 7

Scene examination - interior of building

Answer 7

Reconstruct what took place
What was the modus operandi (MO)?
Determine:
Method of search
Type/size of property
Fingerprints wiped away
Lighting used
Offender changed clothing?
Stooling on premises
Food was eaten
Interference with alarm system, telephone or lifts

Question 8

Scene examination - fully interview victim

Answer 8

Gather all details
Obtain a staff list
Full description of property stolen

Question 9

Scene examination - preserve evidence

Answer 9

Label all exhibits
Note all info in notebook
Draw a sketch

Question 10

Scene examination - area/local enquiries

Answer 10

Plan
Prepare Job Sheets
Always ask if there is anyone the person suspects

Question 11

To Locate offender/property

Answer 11

‘hot’ property is sold before it has time to cool down
Locate haunts of juveniles
Visit 2nd hand dealers
Visit hotels

Question 12

Offender located

Answer 12

Search
Interview
Admissions cover ingredients of offence
Seek superiors advice before charging