re: Do thieves prefer darkness or do they prefer light?

Darkness prevents them from getting spotted, but people have to be around in order to spot them even if they're visible. So, in subdivisions where most people are at work/school all day, thieves operate during the day. On inside jobs where they know the occupants aren't home, they strike at night so neighbors won't see them. Robbing a home when the occupants are home is a great way to get caught or shot.