– Thieves use social manipulation – Dagsavisen

In Sigurd Hoel’s vei on Ensjø in Oslo, within two weeks there were as many as 16 reports for break-ins in cellars and sheds – plus the theft of four bicycles. This is written by Avisa Oslo.

Sigmund Clementz, communications manager at the insurance company If, says that break-ins in stalls are a big problem in big cities now that spring is approaching.

According to him, there are two factors that make thieves tempted to steal from stalls.

One is that the stolen goods are easily tradable on the second-hand market. The second is that it is easy for thieves to break down fuses that are commonly used for stalls.

– Hits the door

When it comes to store break-ins, it is common for thieves to use social manipulation, says Clementz.

He elaborates:

– There are very few who dare to ask who the person is when you see an unfamiliar face in, for example, a housing association. Often we leave the door open for someone to come directly behind, or for someone to slip in the door to get into the hallway. There are very few who dare to say: “I don’t know you, and therefore don’t want to let you in”, and the thieves take advantage of that.

This has made the job easier for thieves.

Clementz says that once the person is already in the basement, it is not so easy to be discovered, because it is a place where people are not present all the time.

He also points out that safeguards for stalls are often easy to get past.

– It may be a padlock that can be broken with the right type of tool. Or there could be a netting around the cellar stalls which is even easier to break open.

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The cases are dismissed

Figures from Statistics Norway for 2022 show that only five per cent of cases involving theft from storage rooms, garages and residential and holiday homes are resolved.

This is a good idea to do to avoid theft from storage and the like, according to Clementz from If:

• Take pictures of all the things you have in the basement.
• Mark the things well, both visible and invisible.
• There are marking systems that can make it possible for the police to track, for example, serial numbers.
• Visible labeling is also important. In other words, you scratch or engrave which makes it less attractive to thieves.
• Keep serial numbers and receipts.
• Keep an eye on the second-hand markets, your stuff can appear there quite quickly.

– Think it through before you seek it out

Clementz says many have started using tracking tags, which is helpful.

– But even if you then know where your bike is, I do not recommend that you seek out the place. Because you never know how it might turn out. Therefore, you should think carefully.

He goes on to say that there have been cases where criminals for profit have been intimidated or felt cornered, which has led to them then doing actions that they would not normally have done. Therefore, he believes that it is always wise to report relationships to the police.

Also read: The police: Thieves read obituaries and strike during funerals

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