You are working a burglary in which your witness has provided you with a firsthand account of a possible suspect. You are told that it is an older male, approximately 50–60 years old

Question

Some of the items taken are large sums of cash, expensive jewelry, and rare coins. It is your job to identify what typology of perpetrator you have for this crime scene. Name the typology and discuss the reasons for choosing this person.

Answer 1

The Professional Burglar: These offenders tend to make their living primarily from money and valuables obtained from burglaries. They are older than other types of burglars, generally in their late twenties to early forties—although some have been known to be active into their sixties and beyond.
The professional burglar's most notable characteristic is a relatively extensive planning of the burglary event and detailed knowledge of their criminal target or mark. Before committing a burglary, professional burglars gain information on the items to be stolen and their whereabouts at the location to be entered. Specific targeted items, such as large sums of cash, vehicles, electronic equipment, expensive jewelry, rare coins, stamps, antiques, or other collectibles, are high in value; other targeted items that are potentially high in value include credit cards; checks; information used for identity theft; and keys to safe deposit boxes, storage units, safes, other homes, and vehicles. The preferred method of entry for professional burglars is surreptitious in nature (i.e., neither forceful nor noticeable). These offenders seldom use a ransacking technique, and days, weeks, or months may pass before the victim has even noticed that a burglary has taken place. For example, if jewelry is taken from a box, the box will be left in its original location so as not to raise suspicion; likewise, a few checks will be taken rather than the entire checkbook, or selected credit cards will be taken and not the entire wallet or purse they are contained in. Professional burglars are undeterred by reinforced locks, security doors, or alarm systems and may have prior experience as alarm installation technicians. These offenders commit crimes day or night depending on when they perceive the time is right to strike. They tend to commit only a few high-take burglaries per year, work alone to avoid partners who may inform police, use the same M.O. in all of their crimes, and have wide geographic distances between their targets—often travelling to different states or countries.