I had the same experience a few weeks ago, yes.

I got the impression that the criminal's method was to poke around houses until he found a back way in or a window not scure or something, which is why they wanted to know about suspicious activity neighbours had seen.

Call me old-fashioned but if the police catch a rapist, violent burglar or whatever I have no problem at all with them having my name on a list somewhere or asking my neighbours about me.