What was the frequency of the burglaries occurring during the investigation?

The correct choice reflects that the burglaries occurred "several times over the year," indicating a pattern of criminal activity that is spaced out rather than happening frequently in a compressed time frame. This suggests that while the burglaries were not occurring every day or with high regularity (like weekly or daily), there was a sustained issue that police would need to address over a longer period. This type of frequent but not constant activity can often signal underlying issues in a community, such as vulnerabilities in security or law enforcement responses, and can help identify trends that may require a strategic approach to prevent future incidents. Recognizing patterns in crime frequency helps law enforcement allocate resources effectively and engage with the community to increase awareness and prevention measures.