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Practical Burglary Investigation

NCJ Number
81870
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 30 Issue: 2, 3 Dated: (February 1982); (March 1982) Pages: 40-44,45-52
Author(s)
V J Geberth
Date Published
1982
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This two-part article describes types of burglaries, steps in police response to burglaries, essential information to be obtained in burglary investigation, and procedures of burglary investigation.
Abstract
Types of burglaries and methods typically used for each type are described for both residential and commercial burglaries. Types of residential burglaries considered are those involving private homes, apartments, hotels and motels, and vacation homes. Types of commercial burglaries considered involve factories, warehouses, retail stores, and business offices. Typical methods of safecracking are described. Steps in the recommended police response cover action upon arrival and entering and searching. Information discussed as important in a burglary investigation is time, location, description of suspect and method of operation, nature of the property taken, motivation for the forced entry, any unique characteristics of the burglar or the method of operation, type of burglary, method of entry, the method of the burglar's search of the premises, and means for removing the property and escaping. Investigation procedures described cover investigation at the scene, the police report, interview of witnesses, the followup investigation, and analysis to determine if the burglary fits the pattern of prior burglaries reported to police. A checklist is provided for a burglary investigation.

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