After committing a crime, what is a common action for the thief?

The first option, stating that the thief hid at the house of a friend, reflects a common behavior observed among individuals who commit crimes. After engaging in unlawful activities, it's plausible that a thief would seek refuge to avoid capture and to feel secure. Hiding suggests an understanding of the potential consequences and a desire to evade law enforcement.

The other options, while relevant to the context of the situation, do not directly describe an action taken by the thief following the crime. The second and third options focus on the responses of law enforcement and the bank president rather than the thief's own actions. The fourth option highlights the emotional state of the thief's wife, which, although it may be significant to the narrative, does not pertain directly to what the thief themselves is doing. Thus, the first option accurately captures a logical course of action for a thief in the aftermath of committing a crime.