Don't think I would take anything out :-) I think players will just have to be more careful when maneuvering around the edge of the screen. Only thing you could save some code on is the whole 'busted' sequence, but then again, the burglars deserve a good game over sequence ;-)
thanks a bunch for taking the time to write! I'm happy you like the busted scene :D
what I meant with police lights was those icons that pop up when you step into a lighted area, you are then "seen" (raising the wanted-meter). If you're seen too many times in a row you get caught before entering the next building. It's not deeply explained in-game, but I needed some way to promote sneaking, and not just smash-and-grab every run (as my testers figured out and got a bit bored).
it's the one thing i can think of that might be too intricate for the rest of the feel of the game.