Committing a crime is risky. The biggest danger for the perpetrator is the perpetrator herself. It is difficult to remain realistic, to analyze the opportunities and threats, to make different scenarios beforehand, to acquire knowledge about the legal rules concerning the planned offence, to keep absolute secrecy and not to be lazy. Moreover, a perpetrator doesn’t assume to get caught. Otherwise many perpetrators would abandon their action. Too large optimism beforehand can however turn into panic if unexpected things happen. This is especially the case if there is obscurity (between perpetrators) concerning the strategy.

The fact that a crime frequently leaves tracks behind, such as DNA material, fingerprints, footprints and smell is a factor which increases the risk of getting caught. Also the methods of the perpetrators, witnesses and security cameras can bring the authorities on track. The authorities can also use wiretapping and sophisticated microphones and cameras, to spy in advance on possible suspects.

The tracks left behind can also be combined with other techniques such as determining the location of the suspects’ mobile phone.

Common sense shows us that the risk of getting caught is smaller if nobody knows what she has done or plans to do. The perpetrator needs however just like each other person acceptance, respect and status. She has the need to show her capacities and acts to others. The perpetrator becomes reckless or proud about her actions and tells it to others. In some cases she keeps a trophy or news articles about her deeds.

Even if the perpetrator is careful, she always runs the risk that the authorities or others wiretap her means of communication (Internet, telephone, fax & paper mail).