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Comment by baddox | Hacker News Reader

I think there are a lot of people who wouldn’t break a window to steal from a house but who would steal from a house if they found the door key.

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Twenty years ago we had a Boy Scout in the neighborhood that was kicking front doors in and doing snatch and run burglaries, purses, cameras (phones weren't a thing yet). Mid day. Do you know how loud that had to be?

Most people lost more from the door/door frame damage than they did from the theft.

We used to buy popcorn and snacks from him when the scouts were fundraising. Great opportunity to case places....

I really don't think so? It's an equally serious crime either way.

You're less likely to get caught using a key than breaking a window.

It’s also just much easier. That’s why the owners use the key instead of breaking a window.

I agree it is easier to use a key, but the reason owners don't break windows is that is damaging.

The main reason a thief wouldn't want to is that is loud and suspicious looking, much more likely to be noticed. People seeing someone they don't know fucking around with smashing a window in town might call the cops, if they seem someone they don't know using a key they assume they were given it by the residents

My friend used to live in a building like this. It is assumed that everyone else in the building is equally rich and also have their own floor, so they would be able to ride up with you as you would with them. The problem now with air BNB is that you don’t really know who’s supposed to be in the building or not as many of the residents list them when they are away, which is often(either visiting their other properties or travelling recreationally/for work).

These buildings also change hands, whether between family members, or just outright sales, more so if a unit in the building is currently for sale, someone could access the building by showing interest, not even with the real estate agent but just telling the doorman you have a viewing. You wouldn’t have to hack the elevator at all and I doubt this perpetrator did. It would take a pretty vigilant doorman to stop this/determine the identity and purpose of all visitors.

Most of the doormen are there to provide additional services to the residents, like having a cab waiting when they are on their way out and other small conveniences, not so much as gate keepers especially since 99.99% of the people entering are no cause for concern.

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