7 Stealth Tips to Get a Higher Score in Catch the Robber
Clearing levels in Catch the Robber is one thing; building a high score is another. The biggest points come from sneak catches and recovered loot, and from surviving long enough for the level multiplier to grow. Here are seven habits that make a real difference.
1. Let them start the job
A robber walking along the street is looking straight ahead, which means they are looking at the road you are likely to be on. A robber who is breaking in is looking at a wall. Unless a robber is walking directly away from you and you can catch up easily, it is often better to wait until they reach the door and then sneak up while they work.
2. Count the glances
Stealing robbers look behind them at irregular intervals. The glance lasts under a second, and the cone swings smoothly so you can see it coming. Approach in short hops: move while the cone is facing the building, stop just outside the cone's reach when it starts to turn. On later levels robbers glance more often, so patience matters even more.
3. Use corners as cover
Vision cones are cut off by buildings. If you wait around a corner, a robber walking towards you cannot see you until they are already at the intersection. Stepping out as they pass puts you directly behind them — a perfect sneak catch without needing to chase anyone.
4. Save sneaking for the last block
Sneaking is powerful but slow. Crossing the whole map while sneaking wastes time and lets other robbers finish their jobs. Run at full speed until you are about one block away from your target, then switch to sneaking for the final approach.
5. Loot carriers come first
When two robberies happen at the same time, think about which one can hurt you. A robber who has not stolen anything yet can only cost you a catch. A robber with a money bag can cost you a life star. If a thief is close to finishing a job, or already running with a bag, go after them first — the recovered loot bonus makes it worth it too.
6. Time your donuts
The donut speed boost lasts five seconds. Grabbing it at random is fine, but the best players leave a donut on the ground until a robber is spotted and starts sprinting, then pick it up on the way. With the boost you can often catch a fleeing robber once their sprint runs out.
7. Don't camp a van
It is tempting to stand next to a getaway van and wait. The problem is that there are four vans and robbers choose between them — frightened robbers even pick the exit that is furthest from you. The centre of the map is almost always a better waiting spot, because every part of the city is only a short run away.
Bonus: protect your stars late in a level
The level clear bonus includes 50 points for each life star you still have, and every level cleared restores one star. If you are one catch away from clearing a level, playing safely is often worth more than chasing a risky sneak catch.