If they're arresting people for even a $20 component/tool, then it stands to reason that they are more authoritarian and vigilant; not less of a threat or incompetent!
You can be both vigilant and incompetent. For example, when you're being extremely vigilant over civilians noticing a glaring weak point instead of fixing it.
Now, this can be a valuable tactic; it is good to be underestimated by your opponent. I doubt this is intentional, though.