Question posed: Can a link to suspect types be established from information at the crime scene?
The main focus of the research project was on indicators that are suitable for differentiating between professional offenders and simple perpetrators. In addition, other individual questions were examined, such as the role of proximity to the highway in the choice of crime object, the attraction of certain crime scenes and the structure of the loot.
Method
The study was based on a quantitative analysis of over 7,500 public prosecutor's investigation files (random selection of solved and unsolved cases) from the WED from 2011 and 2012, so that the results are representative of residential burglary in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Using statistical methods, information on crime scenes, which in principle is available at every crime scene and is documented in crime reports, was systematically correlated with data on suspects.
Excerpt from the results of Europe's most comprehensive research project on WED
- Solved and unsolved crimes differ significantly in their structure. Findings from solved crimes can therefore not be transferred to unsolved crimes. "Relationship offenses" distort this comparison and must be considered separately. (A previous relationship exists in this sense if the victim is a family member, relative, (ex-) partner, work colleague, neighbor or casual acquaintance of the suspect).
- Case types: Four case types were identified, some of which differ considerably in terms of key crime characteristics. The smallest differences exist between the unsolved cases and the solved cases involving a suspect with Eastern European nationality. The greatest differences, on the other hand, exist between unsolved offenses and relationship offenses.
- Repeat crime scenes: Crime scenes have a strong attraction for further offenders. However, unique characteristics for repeat crime scenes could not be identified.
- Attempts: Disruptions by the offender are the reason for failure to complete the crime in every fourth attempt. Attempts therefore have great potential to provide clues, because even professionals fail to break in.
- Behavior in the crime scene: The efficient search strategy of the drawer cabinets as well as the creation of escape routes and measures to protect against detection are characteristics of professional perpetrators.
- Looting: More loot is obtained in large cities than in smaller communities. The amount and, above all, the structure of the loot are related to the type of access and the behavior in the crime scene. In two out of three cases, jewelry is part of the loot and accounts for more than half of the total value of the loot. However, this only applies to unsolved cases and the solved cases involving a suspect with Eastern European nationality.
- Professional offenders leave their signature (e.g. method of access, behavior in the crime scene, loot) at the crime scene.
Conclusion
The results allow differentiated statements to be made about crimes and perpetrators that go far beyond previously available data. The proportion of crimes that can be attributed to professionally acting perpetrators is higher for unsolved crimes than for solved crimes. The high number of cases therefore tends to be attributable to offenders acting professionally. The results therefore provide recommendations for action in terms of prevention, statistical recording rules, prioritization of investigations and legislative measures.
The "basic report on the WED research project" provides comprehensive results.
