NCJ Number
151274
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 42 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 91-95
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A recent seminar conducted by the New York City Police Department Major Case Squad, which investigates large burglary losses in the city, revealed that the most active group of burglars in New York is believed to be a loosely knit gang of approximately 70 expatriate Eastern Europeans.
Abstract
Their crimes indicate skillful planning and are typically carried out like small-scale military operations. These burglars are proficient at defeating alarms, using no technology, low technology, or sophisticated bypass equipment. In one case, the burglars entered without trying to defeat the alarm and were able to exit within the 15- minute time frame required of better alarm systems, so that the alarm agent arrived only to see the last of the burglars escaping. These group members are experienced professionals who commit their crimes in a calm, organized fashion. Their favorite tools include an oxy-arc burning tool and an arc- air tool to enter safes and vaults. Security measures against such burglars include prohibition of photography of business premises except under controlled circumstances, updated inventories of the contents of safes, and alarm systems that monitor outer perimeters as well as the safe or vault. Several other measures can also improve security. Photographs