The only "clue for amateur detectives" that seems to indicate anything unusual is the checking of things outside, which might indicate there was question about someone outside (or coming from outside via unusual means of access) being involved with whatever was inside.

It could be as simple as the occupant reporting a prowler (human or otherwise) for that to be a reasonable part of a police response.

The number of police responding would suggest it wasn't a stray cat(?).

Taking photos of the house and surrounds would be unusual in my area unless there was suspicion/expectation of some criminal activity.

A long duration of the stay of officers would be reasonable if a forced entry was made, by police or by an intruder, since "leaving someone there" is a simple way of securing the premises if there's someone available to remain who's not required elsewhere, even if no "crime" was involved - although few police agencies have that kind of surplus personnel. The necessity or convenience of doing so would, however, indicate that the normal occupant was not capable of securing things.

Give it a few hours and the news media most likely will report a little more than is actually known.

John