Your average burglar is opportunist. Window open, garage door, sheds, even front doors unlocked.
This was planned as they were after the safe.and they thought the house was empty.
I would be interested in the mode of entry.
Burglars are pure scum, they ruin peoples happy lives, invade their sanctuary. Usually for naff all. Once someone is burgled its hard to stay.
Burglars hate alarms. They hate dogs. They hate gravel drives. They hate security lights. ( and internal lights, those timer jobs are effective) Oh boy do they hate cameras. They hate decent locks( its so easy to crack a lock on the average double glazed door) They hate security patrols esp if done properly.( signage is good, but only if the company is good)
Its been a while since I worked in this area but i have always believed the punishment does fit the crime. I think first offence burlaries start with a community order.