In 2014, through civil asset forfeiture, the US police department seized more cash, cars, property etc. than all burglars and thieves combined. Forfeiture laws make it legal to take items with only the suspicion of illegal activity, often no charges are required. Worse, stats show that this disproportionately affects African Americans and Latinos.
Fortunately, Maine is attempting to pass a senate bill that will forbid this, as well as prevent local law enforcement to involve the federal law enforcement in order to escape state law.
The difference between civil forfeiture and burglary is that burglary occurs when no one is around, the burglars are usually unarmed, and the intent is to steal, not injure. Civil forfeiture is bald-faced robbery from the victim, with great potential for harm to the victim since the thieves are armed and work in gangs. Another sign that we are once again living in the lawless age of the robber barons, with civil rights and constitutional guarantees being honored more in the breach than in the observance.
Lol I love your description of police "the thieves are armed and work in gangs"