We tend to use the terms burglary, robbery, theft, and larceny interchangeably. While their definitions can be tough to nail now, there are some significant differences between each label. So, let’s clear up some confusion today! Read on to learn the meaning of each of these terms, their differences, and what to do if you are a victim of that crime.
The Differences Between Burglary, Robbery, Theft, and Larceny
What Does Burglary Mean?
Did you know that there are more than 1 million burglaries each year?* Burglary is the act of unlawfully breaking into and entering a building or structure with the intent to commit theft or another crime (such as vandalism).
What is Burglary of Habitation?
Burglary of Habitation is the act of entering a premises unlawfully, whether it is a home or business.
A person doesn’t have to break a window or bust down a door to be charged with burglary. They can still be charged with this crime if they enter through an unlocked window or door.
What is Burglary of Conveyance?
This is when a person unlawfully enters a motor vehicle, car, ship, trailer, or aircraft. It is just as serious a crime as other forms of burglary.
Is Burglary a Felony?
Burglaries are almost always considered and charged as felony crimes. Therefore, the punishments are more severe than for misdemeanors and can include incarceration in state prison. It’s important to know that each state has variations to their definitions of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree burglaries, but in general, they are as follows:
- What is Burglary in the 1st Degree? – This label refers to the burglary of any residence, regardless of the crime committed once inside. So, if a person broke into someone’s home to commit grand theft or vandalism, this would be labeled as burglary in the 1st degree. First-degree burglary is generally the appropriate charge when the home is broken into at night while the owner or a family member is at home.
- What is Burglary in the 2nd Degree? – This refers to burglary of any building that is not a residence, such as commercial properties, sheds, or other locations separated from the residence. Like 1st degree burglary, this is a separate charge and does not depend on the crime committed inside the commercial space.
- What is Burglary in the 3rd Degree? – This encompasses most other crimes that do not fall into the 1st- or 2nd-degree categories, but still involve unlawful breaking and entering. For example, when someone breaks into or enters a safe, vault, register, safety deposit box, or other equipment that contains valuable items.
What is Aggravated Burglary?
Aggravated burglary is when someone unlawfully enters a building or structure and inflicts harm, or threatens to inflict harm, on another person.
CPI Safety Tip: Most homes are burglarized between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, as this is when most people are at work, leaving the homes unoccupied.** To keep your house safe and secure while you’re away, consider installing a monitored home security system.
What’s the Meaning of Robbery?
Robbery is the theft of property with the threat or use of force from a person. It is classified as a violent crime. Property must be taken for it to be considered a robbery. If property is not taken, then the crime would be labeled as an attempted robbery.
What is Theft?
Theft is the act of taking, or stealing, a person’s property without consent and with the intent to keep possession of it. The property is typically money or physical objects and usually doesn’t refer to things like land or real estate.
As a general note, theft refers to property with a value of less than $1,000. If the property has a higher value than that, it is considered grand theft, which is a felony.
What Does Larceny Mean?
In many jurisdictions, the terms theft and larceny are interchangeable and essentially the same thing. Larceny is usually considered a misdemeanor charge.
Burglary, Robbery, Theft, and Larceny: A Comparison
What Is the Difference Between Robbery and Burglary?
Robbery doesn’t include breaking and entering, burglary does.
Robbery is the theft of property from a person with the use of force or the threat of force. Burglary can also include force and theft, but must include breaking and entering into a building, home, or other structure.
What Is the Difference Between Theft and Robbery?
Theft (or larceny) is typically assigned when someone steals money or physical objects without force of the threat of force. Robbery is theft that includes threat of force or force itself.
What Is the Difference Between Theft and Burglary?
Theft is taking a person’s property without their permission. Burglary is theft that includes the act of breaking and entering.
What Is the Difference Between Larceny and Theft?
Larceny and theft are usually used interchangeably and have the same meaning in most jurisdictions.
What to Do if Someone Breaks Into Your House?
- Call the police immediately.
- If the break-in occurred while you weren’t home, do not enter the premises upon arrival back home. Wait for the police to arrive. The criminal could still be inside, or you may accidentally alter or destroy important evidence by entering.
- If you are inside your home when the crime occurs, try not to touch anything. You should also take pictures to show the police and the insurance company.
- File a police report. This can help to catch the perpetrator and will also help with insurance claims.
- Fix the broken window or door and consider installing a home security system to prevent and deter future break-ins.
Unfortunately, studies show that 25% of burglary revictimization occurs within one week of the first break-in. Additionally, 51% of revictimization occurs within one month.***
Your home’s and family’s protection is always our top priority at CPI. Call us today to speak with a home security expert to build a smart home security system that is customized to your home and your needs.
Sources:
*FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), “2019 Crime in the United States.”
**SecurAlert, “Home Burglary Awareness and Prevention.”
***Matthew B. Robinson, “Burglary Revictimization, “The Time Period of Heightened Risk.”
