That really is no different than driving to a nice neighborhood and looking for a potential target. Plus, the Google view is a static picture that may be years out of date; it won’t provide information like how many people live there, if the owners are typically home a lot, or if the house is vacant all day, when the owners are on vacation, etc. In other words, the criminal won’t find a target of opportunity by looking at Google street view, and Google street view will not help much with a planned burglary.
Are you trolling? Street View is a burglar’s best resource these days. It takes virtually no time, no effort, and no expense; no person or driveway security camera can see you; the pictures are always taken during sunny days; you can also take your time figuring out the quickest way to the nearest interstate on-ramp (for car thieves); and you can easily see what else is and isn’t (police stations) in the neighborhood.
And you won’t get the other information you mentioned — how many people live there, when the owners are home — in person without repeated visits.
It is different. Google eliminates the need to drive around a nice neighborhood and risk being seen. Street View lets the criminals scout out potential targets from the privacy and comfort of their mama’s basements.
Put your neighbors address in this website and tell me if you are surprised.
http://www.whitepages.com/neighbors