Re: Criminal Statistics
I did a cursory glance at some criminal statistics reports from the FBI and they are somewhat difficult to interpret. The FBI has quarterly criminal reports on banking crime. Picking a few at random it seems about 7% are successful using the metric. A curious wording makes it hard to tell if the number meant burglary involving a safe or burglary of the safe. Carrying off a locked container is considered a burglary involving a safe. Even something as simple as a tin cash box with a cabinet lock.
Ran into some law office and law research websites along the way. Apparently a defendant is more likely to be charged with safe-cracking or an analog charge by using a stolen combination, key, or by unauthorized nondestructive access than actual damage.
I found no information at all on the rates of manipulation or sophisticated tool use.
There are current rising trends of this crime in areas around the US. One investigator in Texas insisted little skill and no specialized tools are being used. Anecdotes typically involve a sledge hammer and carrying the safe off.