The previous section showed the strong similarities between the characteristics of a “good burglar” and Mr. Nordahl. First among them is his attention to detail. By controlling as many variables as possible, he was able to lower the risk involved. This included, avoiding drugs and violence, understanding his tools, targeting particular houses, and studying the items he intended to take. This all points to Nordahl’s ability to make rational decisions as to when and where to commit a crime; a characteristic also noted by Siegel. A study found in Criminology of burglars in Texas came to the same conclusion that successful burglars use rational decision making to evaluate the costs and benefits of their actions (Siegel 387). While overwhelming evidence exists classifying Nordahl as a professional burglar, there are some, subtle ways in which he deviates from the norm.
The first way Nordahl deviates from the norm is when and how he converted from legitimate ways of earning money to crime. The same study mentioned above by Cromwell, Olson and Avary, found that most burglars started as novices, studying under more experienced burglars. They moved up to the rank of a professional criminal by …show more content…
His actions deviate from typical burglar behavior as most burglars act as a team. Siegel remarks, “The good burglar must be able to team up to form a criminal gang. Choosing trustworthy companions is essential if the obstacles to completing a successful job - police, alarms, and secure safes - are to be overcome” (Siegel 387). According to Siegel, it is almost impossible to complete successful burglaries alone. The obstacles that prevent a thief from entering a house, taking valuable items, and exiting, are too great for one person to do alone. Yet, Nordahl accomplished just that. Nowhere in the article did Rosellini mention the existence of
The first way Nordahl deviates from the norm is when and how he converted from legitimate ways of earning money to crime. The same study mentioned above by Cromwell, Olson and Avary, found that most burglars started as novices, studying under more experienced burglars. They moved up to the rank of a professional criminal by …show more content…
His actions deviate from typical burglar behavior as most burglars act as a team. Siegel remarks, “The good burglar must be able to team up to form a criminal gang. Choosing trustworthy companions is essential if the obstacles to completing a successful job - police, alarms, and secure safes - are to be overcome” (Siegel 387). According to Siegel, it is almost impossible to complete successful burglaries alone. The obstacles that prevent a thief from entering a house, taking valuable items, and exiting, are too great for one person to do alone. Yet, Nordahl accomplished just that. Nowhere in the article did Rosellini mention the existence of