Past Simple vs. Past Continuous
Tom/read/Amely / watch a documentary on TV.
While Tom was reading, Amely was watching a documentary on TV.
Marvin /come/ home /switch/ on the computer and /check/ his emails.
Marvin came home, switched on the computer and checked his emails.
The thief /sneak into / the house /steal / the jewels / and /leave /without a trace.
The thief snuck into the house, stole the jewels and left without a trace.