Short version: Small property crimes become easier to understand when you show the pattern, not just the latest incident.
Why This Matters
Property-crime threads on Reddit usually have two parts: the person is angry, and the evidence is scattered. There may be a doorbell clip, a neighbor who saw something, a damaged lock, and a police report, but no organized record.
Your job is to document the incident and any repeat pattern without confronting the person you suspect.
Step By Step
- Photograph the scene before moving anything, if it is safe.
- Take wide photos first, then close-ups of damage, missing items, footprints, tools, packaging, glass, or entry points.
- Save camera footage from before, during, and after the incident.
- Write down what was taken or damaged, estimated value, serial numbers, receipts, and photos of the items if you have them.
- Ask nearby neighbors or businesses for footage covering a specific time window.
- File or update a police report and keep the report number.
- Track repeat incidents in one timeline so the pattern is visible.
Checklist
- Scene photos
- Damage photos
- Camera footage
- Item list with value and serial numbers
- Neighbor or business footage requests
- Police report number
- Insurance claim number, if applicable
Common Mistakes
- Do not confront a suspect to get a confession or retrieve property.
- Do not clean up before taking photos unless safety requires it.
- Do not post accusations online without enough proof.
- Do not set traps that could hurt someone.
When To Stop DIY
- Call 911 if the person is still there, someone may be inside, there is forced entry, or a weapon is involved.
- If you find possible fingerprints, tools, blood, or other physical evidence, avoid touching it and ask police what they want you to do.
Simple Template
- Incident type: Package theft / car break-in / vandalism / trespass.
- Location: Exact address or camera location.
- Time window: Last seen normal and first discovered.
- Evidence: Photos, video, receipts, serial numbers.
- Loss/damage: List item, value, proof of ownership.
- Pattern: Prior dates and similar details.