At the scene of a burglary, what evidence might you look for at the point of entry if the entry was a window?

• A. Tool marks, broken glass fragments, and fingerprints
• B. DNA on window frame
• C. Only fingerprints
• D. Footwear impressions on sill

Answer: (A)

When a window is the entry point, the most informative evidence comes from damage and prints at the entry site. Tool marks on the window frame or lock indicate forced entry, broken glass fragments show the pane was broken to gain access, and latent fingerprints on the glass or sash can identify a person who touched the surface during the break-in. This combination directly ties the method of entry to trace evidence collected at the scene and is typically the most reliable set to look for. DNA on the window frame is possible but less routinely expected, and footwear impressions on the sill, while possible, aren’t as consistently present or diagnostic for how the entry occurred.