Vlacas12 t1_iuguncv wrote on October 31, 2022 at 5:54 AM

It doesn't read anywhere in the article that offenders don't like to use lights.

"Artificial light introduced to the crime scene signals unusual activity to potential guardians and invites unwanted attention which the offenders may not feel comfortable risking. The costs of committing vehicle crime on unlit streets are therefore higher than elsewhere."

This is the only part I could find that talks about the offenders using artificial light and it doesn't say anything about them not liking to use lights, only that the risk of being discovered outweighs the possible benefits, which has nothing to do with the personal preference of the offenders to use or not use artificial lightning.

JosZo OP t1_iugw9vh wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:17 AM

Isn't this just semantics? Don't doing something out of fear isn't the same as don't wanting to do something, but the outcome is the same, don't doing it out of preferences.

Vlacas12 t1_iugwwgb wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:27 AM

No, it's not the same. Not doing something out if fear of discovery has nothing to do with it being a preference, an inside factor of the offender that doesn't change the outcome, but it being a necessity to not to be discovered, which does potentially change the outcome and is guided by outside factors.

foomy45 t1_iugx6uf wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:31 AM

They prefer to not be discovered, therfore they like doing stuff that doesn't lead to that.

Firebug160 t1_iugyq3u wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:54 AM

You’re being nitpicky. You probably are salty about misinterpreting the title and are taking it out on OP. Yes the wording is ambiguous. No they aren’t wrong. Thieves don’t like using lights bc it causes suspicion. Don’t be a dick

mr_friend_computer t1_iuhp1g9 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 12:42 PM

The thing is, breaking into cars is usually done either in secluded places where a flash light won't be seen (secluded as in, farther side of the parking lot or otherwise far enough away from prying eyes) or at a time when most people aren't otherwise up and about.

You don't see too many sprees during the day (barring a remote/unmonitored location), although a smash and grab can easily happen any time.