The terms burglary and robbery are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are actually two different things.
Burglary involves an offender illegally entering a structure (such as your home or business) to commit a crime. Robbery, on the other hand, involves the offender using force or threat to take something from someone else, but does not necessarily involve the offender entering a structure. Robbery also often involves harm or threats of violence to an individual, whereas burglary may not always.
Read on for more information about burglaries and robberies, including how to prevent them.
What is burglary?
A burglary occurs when someone enters a building or vehicle (forcibly or otherwise) to commit a theft or other crime. It may not necessarily result in harm to another person: in fact, many thieves break in when no one is present.
Thieves may be armed or unarmed and may enter businesses, homes or other structures. However, according to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE), the majority of burglaries occur in homes. Additionally, other FBI data shows that most burglaries occur during the day.
Types of burglary
Burglary does not always require the use of force to enter a building. There are three general types of burglary:
- Forced entry: Forced entry burglary involves an offender forcibly entering a building or car, such as breaking windows, breaking down a door, picking a lock, and more. This type of burglary may also involve the use of threats to gain entry, such as threatening the homeowners into letting them in.
- Illegal entry where force is not necessary: This burglary involves illegally entering a home or other structure without the use of force. This can happen if the offender finds an unlocked door, window, or other entry point.
- Break-in attempt: Attempted entry by force means that the offender attempted to forcibly enter a facility but was unable to do so or otherwise did not complete entry.
How to prevent burglaries
You can try to prevent burglaries by ensuring your home is secure. Follow these tips:
Keep doors and windows closed
Leaving a door or window open gives the thief an easy point of entry into your home or other structure. It is best to keep doors and windows closed at all times, even when you are at home and especially when you leave the house. Also, remember to lock your pet door, garage, and shed.
Thieves can also target vehicles, so always lock your car when leaving, even if you’re running inside for a few minutes. This includes blocking it when it is in the driveway.
Get a home security system
Consider purchasing one of the best home security systems for your home. Many systems are customizable: you can get security cameras, video doorbells, sensors, alarms, motion detection lights, and more.
While you can receive convenient notifications on your phone if cameras or sensors detect someone’s presence, some companies also offer professional monitoring. With this service, professionals will send emergency authorities to your home if someone is breaking into your home or if another emergency occurs, such as a fire.
Make sure all entry points are secure
Even if you keep your home locked, a burglar may still be able to enter through unsecured doors or windows. If any lock is broken or worn, replace it as soon as possible. Also, make sure your doors are sturdy and secure to prevent someone from easily breaking them.
Don’t discuss your vacation plans in public or on social media
Even though you may be excited about an upcoming vacation, don’t discuss your plans publicly where potential thieves can hear you or with people you don’t know very well. Disclosing this information puts your home at risk of burglary because people will know when your home is empty, making it an easy target.
Also, don’t post about your vacation on social media. This creates a greater risk because many people will see it online. If you want to share your vacation memories on social media, consider waiting until you return home.
Keep the light on when you are not at home
Thieves often try to act when no one is home. A clear sign that your house is empty is when all the lights are off.
A burglar is less likely to try to enter your home when the lights are on because they assume someone is home. If you’re planning a vacation, he considers getting light timers so they come on at certain times when you’re not there.
Make sure your home is adequately lit
A well-lit home or property can deter burglars from targeting you because they are more likely to get caught. Additionally, as mentioned above, the lights also signal that someone may be home. Always keep your front door light on at night and consider illuminating other areas of your property.
Do not leave a spare key outside
Some people leave a spare house key outside, such as under a doormat or in a flowerpot. However, this puts your home at risk for break-ins. Consider alternatives, such as a smart lock with combination code entry.
What is robbery?
A robbery occurs when someone takes someone else’s property by force or threats, sometimes harming the victim. It is considered a violent crime.
Although robbery seems similar to theft, it differs because theft is simply stealing someone’s property, while robbery involves using force or threats to steal property.
While the robbery can happen anywhere, according to the FBI CDE, it most commonly occurs outside on a highway, street, alley or sidewalk.
Types of robbery
Robbery can be divided into two types:
- Armed robbery: Armed robbery occurs when the perpetrator uses a weapon.
- Armed robbery: Armed robbery occurs when the offender does not use a weapon but instead uses his or her physical strength or power to force or threaten a victim while taking their property.
You may also hear about aggravated robbery and simple robbery. Aggravated robbery is the most serious type and usually involves the use of a weapon, serious threats or injury to at least one victim. Simple robbery usually involves an unarmed offender.
How to prevent robberies
The following tips can help prevent robberies, and many of them could also help prevent thefts.
Stay in well-lit and well-populated areas
Avoid walking in dark, secluded areas, especially when walking alone. Well-lit areas where other people are located are typically the safest.
Keep your valuables safe
When you’re in public areas, keep your valuables safe in your bag or pockets, so potential thieves can’t see what you have on you. Also, don’t carry a lot of cash with you. If you have to carry money with you, don’t let people know that you have it with you: keep it hidden to avoid becoming the target of a thief.
Don’t walk alone
If you can, walk with other people instead of traveling alone. Being alone makes you more vulnerable to attack.
Be aware of your surroundings
When you are in a public area, always observe the people and cars around you. Be wary of anyone who appears suspicious. It’s also important to avoid distractions, such as texting, which can take your attention away from observing the area.
Carry a personal alarm with you
For added security, you can purchase a personal security alarm. These small devices usually attach to your keychain. If someone approaches you, you can sound the alarm to discourage the individual.
Always carry your cell phone with you
Don’t leave home without your cell phone so you can call for help if needed. Your phone’s location services can also be useful if you encounter a thief or other threat. Consider sharing your location with someone you trust. You can tell them about your plans and they can check your location to make sure you are reaching your destination safely.
Frequently asked questions about burglary and robbery
Is home invasion the same thing as burglary or robbery?
Do home security systems help prevent burglaries?
Home security systems can help prevent burglaries and discourage thieves from targeting your home for fear of getting caught. If your home is equipped with alarms, a loud siren will sound if someone enters. Additionally, if your system includes professional 24/7 monitoring, the company may send law enforcement to your home when a break-in is detected.
What constitutes a burglary charge versus a robbery charge?
Crimes may be treated differently depending on the state, but a criminal can be charged with burglary if he or she illegally enters a building with the intent to commit a crime (such as theft). They can be charged with robbery if they take someone else’s property by force or threat. Robbery does not necessarily involve illegal entry into a building or home.
What type of crime is burglary?
Burglary is a type of property crime. It is usually considered a crime, but some states may consider some cases a misdemeanor. Additionally, many states have three degrees of burglary: The degree to which a criminal is charged usually depends on whether or not he had a weapon and whether the building was occupied at the time of the break-in.
Summary of Money’s guide to burglary and robbery
Robbery and burglary are two types of crimes that can involve theft. The definitions for each are as follows:
- Theft: When an offender illegally enters a facility with the intent to commit a crime.
- Robbery: When an offender uses force or threats to steal property from someone else.
If you are the victim of a burglary or robbery, call 911 immediately or as soon as it is safe to do so. Many police departments online advise not to react if someone robs you. If someone is breaking into your home, it is usually advisable to remain silent, hide, and avoid confronting the thief to keep yourself safe.
You can take steps to prevent burglaries and robberies, including securing your home, having a home security system, and following safe practices when out in public.