AP... the OP story is about street crime. And instead of being in fear of the police turning up, the perpetrators screamed at, and chased away a man who witnessed their crime, then continued to finish the job before leaving. That may indicate that they were not in the least bit concerned that the police would arrive any time soon. If there were more patrols a) They may have been spotted by one or b) They may have been afraid that a patrol close by could be on the scene quickly if called. But this is all guess work by me, and I am not an authority on the mater.
AP... the OP story is about street crime. And instead of being in fear of the police turning up, the perpetrators screamed at, and chased away a man who witnessed their crime, then continued to finish the job before leaving. That may indicate that they were not in the least bit concerned that the police would arrive any time soon. If there were more patrols a) They may have been spotted by one or b) They may have been afraid that a patrol close by could be on the scene quickly if called. But this is all guess work by me, and I am not an authority on the mater.