Burglary vs. Robbery? Learn the Key Differences

It’s not uncommon to intermix burglary and robbery because both involve the theft of property. However, they are different crimes. Knowing the difference between burglary and robbery is crucial, particularly with regard to definitions and punishments.

In the following sections, we will discuss burglary vs robbery, stealing by breaking and entering by providing valuable evidence for each crime and analyzing punishment for them: the definition, the victims, and the punishment. Also, we’ll include additional insights on how to stay safe, as well as the actions to take in the event of becoming a victim.

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Burglary vs. Robbery: Definition

Firstly, let us start by dissecting these crimes, opening burglary vs robbery definition which will be helpful for understanding the differences.

What is burglary?

Burglary is the act of entering a home or a building with criminal intent, for instance, a purpose to steal, without permission from the owner of the said building. The person does not have to commit any crime to be charged with burglary, which means she or he can be charged simply because she or he entered the home or business with criminal intentions. No force or weapons are required.

What is Robbery?

Robbery is the crime of threatening and taking property from someone with intent to permanently deprive them of that property. The key distinction of robbery is that the offender comes into direct contact with the shareholder and uses physical force or aggression to dispose of their objects. However, robbery also includes any form of property theft unless force is used; a threat on its own is not considered above.

Robbery vs. Burglary: What's the Difference?

There are a few defining characteristics that could act as differentiators for the two offenses; what are those precisely? Now that we have the basic definitions, we can summarize the distinctions. Let’s address what is the difference between robbery and burglary:

Presence of a victim

In the case of burglary, it is not necessary to have a victim in order to carry out the crime. On the other hand, Entering a place where there is no one is the act that defines a perpetrator. When it comes to robbery, it means to confront and intimidate the intended victim for a purpose.

Use of force

Robbery is where force is employed or has been threatened against the victim. Any means of force is not used against a burglar: the criminal tries to avoid coming into contact with the target by waiting until there are no chances of contact with the victim.

Intent

Burglary is focused on theft after illegal entry. The intent of robbery is to steal by force or threat of force.

Location

A burglary happens on private property like a home, while robbery often occurs in public places but can happen in private residences.

Legal penalties

Robbery carries much steeper fines and jail sentences due to the violence and direct threat to victims.

Burglary vs. Robbery vs. Theft: Comparison Table

The following table summarizes some of the main differences between robbery vs burglary vs theft:

Theft vs. Robbery vs. Burglary: Steps to Take If You’re a Victim

If you have the misfortune of being a victim of theft, robbery, or burglary, here is what you should do:

Theft

If you are a victim of theft, you should follow the following steps:

1. Report the theft to local law enforcement

2. File a claim with renters/homeowners insurance if applicable

3. Document losses with photos, receipts, serial numbers

4. Check local pawn shops for your stolen items

Robbery

Follow the steps below if you are the victim of a robbery:

1. Call 911 immediately

2. Get medical care if injured

3. Write down as many details as possible about the perpetrator

4. File a police report as soon as feasible

Burglary

The steps to follow for burglary victims are different from those for theft. Follow these steps if you are a victim of a burglary.

1. Call 911 if the perpetrator may still be inside

2. Do not enter - wait for the police to secure the premises

3. Document losses with photos once police allow entry

4. Check doors and windows for signs of forced entry

5. File an insurance claim if needed

How to Protect Yourself from Robbery or Burglary?

While no prevention method is foolproof, taking proper precautions can help deter would-be robbers and burglars. Tips include:

• Install outdoor security cameras

• Make sure all doors and windows have secure locks

• Keep valuables and cash out of sight

• Consider installing a video doorbell system

• Keep yard well-lit with motion sensor lights

• Use a home security system with window/door sensors

• Never open the door to strangers

• Be aware of your surroundings when out in public

• Carry only small amounts of cash if possible

• If confronted by a robber, cooperate and hand over belongings

FAQs

What is an example of a burglary?

When a family leaves town on vacation, leaving an unlocked window, a man illegally enters their home through that window. He takes cash, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables. He broke into the premises unlawfully and stole property within the premises even though absolutely nobody was home.

What is the main difference between burglary and robbery?

The major difference lies in the fact that robbery is characterized by confrontation and intimidation of the victim by force or the threat of that through the use of real force, whereas burglary is breaking into a building to commit a crime within it, usually robbery. There is no need to confront any victims when it comes to burglary.

Can a person be charged with both burglary and robbery?

Burglary and robbery are both crimes that can be charged against a criminal. For example, if a person breaks into a home with the intention of stealing, but the homeowner comes home and is threatened or assaulted during the course of that crime, the person may be charged with burglary and robbery.

Conclusion

Knowing the legal difference between burglary and robbery will help ensure your safety and help you better understand the criminal penalty attached to it. However, motives for these two crimes are similar, with robbery directly threatening the victim and burglary through theft after illegal entry.

If you learn to prevent it, pay attention to your environment, and know what to do in nasty situations, then you will protect yourself. To bring justice to perpetrators, you need to report any crimes as quickly as possible. Hopefully, this overview has made it clear what things are like between burglary vs. robbery. I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comments!