[jbairdjr]

Working in the field, I am sure the Police would like a heads up about the attempt to track the phone.
They may be more than willing to help out with extra resources and the ability to run down the burglars when you track them.
What you need to be careful about is what JSanders referred to. Some agencies may get really upset with a last minute call about tracking the perps. Give them the heads up, they probably want to catch the guys as much or more than you do.