Those three NPCs have been a huge part of the game since day 1 in the sims. Burglars and police added harmless drama, added a tiny bit of threat aswell. I've got to admit I miss them lol firefighters ...
What is the point. They are not needed. They were in past ones. Enough. Modern times we have sprinklers. Police have their own hands on Careers. It's good the way it is.