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As part of National Police Week 2012, we're presenting "To Catch a Thief," a
mock investigation of a break and enter into a residence. We’ll be profilng the
units involved in the investigation from the onset of the crime through to the
conclusion at court. Along with the in-depth look at how a break and enter
investigation unfolds, we’ll also provide simple tips that will help homeowners
and renters protect their homes from thieves.
Other Installments
A break and enter in progress
You arrive home after a long day at work. Your goal - relax and catch up on your favourite shows! But as you arrive in the driveway and see your front door opened and all the lights on in the house, that goal is far from your mind. You’re pretty sure you locked the front door when you left this morning and you never leave lights on when you’re going out. You see a shadowy figure run out the door and through the back yard. Instinct kicks in and you reach for your cell phone to call 9-1-1.
Calling for assistance
"9-1-1, what's your emergency?" says the call taker. These are the words that many HRM citizens hear when they call the emergency line. Your voice still shaking, you start to relay the last few minutes of events to her. She calmly asks you if there is anyone still in the home, where you live, what your name is, are there weapons, how many people you saw and on and on. While the questions may see pointless to you, her job is not only to help keep you calm, but to get important information for officers who are responding while she has you on the phone.
more on calling 9-1-1
Help arrives
Patrol cars arrive shortly after and you find yourself surrounded by support. A patrol officer starts to gather information which will help determine the direction of the investigation. Through the lights and sirens, the radio on her shoulder is buzzing with information and you hear her call for a K-9 Unit. With the assistance of a police service dog (PSD), officers can ensure that the suspect is no longer in the residence, track the last known area of and often locate the suspect. You point out where you last saw the suspect. The dog handler asks you to stand aside as he begins the track so that the PSD has a clear path to do his work. They take off into the dark, the PSD hot on the trail of the suspect!
The first officer takes your statement and then walks through the home with you. He makes note of evidence to be collected by the Forensic Identification Unit. Often times, suspects will leave behind their DNA without thinking about it. Whether it’s fingerprints, hair or blood, it’s evidence that can lead straight to the culprit. Yet another officer arrives with what looks like a suitcase filled with cameras, gloves, brushes and fingerprint dust. You watch in amazement at how meticulously the forensic officer processes the pieces of evidence. She carefully swabs a small blot of blood on your broken china cabinet, probably left behind by the culprit.
Before you know it, a Victim Services volunteer walks in to provide support for you. Still in shock, you suddenly realize that a whole team is here to help you. You take a breath – you know things are going to be okay.
Stay tuned all week to see how the investigation unfolds and learn more about what it takes to catch a thief! Read Installment 2 - The Heat is On.
Break and Enter Prevention Tips:
- Make your house appear occupied when you’re not at home. Leave a television or radio and a light on when you're away.
- Ensure your windows and doors are locked when you leave your home.
Be sure to keep shrubs and trees well-trimmed so they don’t obstruct windows.
- Be diligent - call the non-emergency number at 490-5020 if you see someone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood or join your local Neighbourhood Watch Program.
- Record serial numbers of electronics or take pictures of personal items of importance such as jewellery, and family heirlooms.
For more tips, watch our Protecting Your Home from Thieves video.
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