Though details are changed, L&O draws inspiration from real crimes. This episode, "Silver Linings," showcases a skilled silver thief whose skill set is similar to that of Blane David Nordahl, New York's "Burglar to the Stars." He would disassemble door panels and windows, steal only good silver, leave little to no trace, and disappear.
In what looks to be a blooper, Goren drops an armload of folders but ad libs and carries on through the scene, delivering his lines while Captain Deakins just grins at Eames, amused by it all.