Burglary vs. robbery: What’s the difference?

Coming home to a shattered window, a ransacked home, and missing belongings is one of every homeowner’s worst nightmares. It’s common to use the terms “burglary” and “robbery” interchangeably to label a break-in and theft, but they are actually different crimes with different sets of circumstances — and there is a surprising amount of nuance in each definition.

Every state also has its own definition of what constitutes a burglary or robbery, though most definitions are very similar. Either crime can be rated by level of severity —  a first-degree burglary will likely carry a heavier penalty than a second- or third-degree burglary, for instance. And while a burglary is typically considered a felony, it can also be charged as a misdemeanor.  

This article gives a basic explanation of burglary vs. robbery, as well as steps you can take to protect your home from a break-in.

A burglary, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, is “the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. Attempted forcible entry is included.” The offender doesn’t have to actually take or do anything inside for the act to be considered a burglary, though theft is often the goal. 

Law enforcement classifies burglary by degrees, depending on the severity. For instance, the crime is considered first-degree burglary if the offender enters a home that is occupied, enters while armed, or enters with the intent to commit a violent crime. The act is considered second-degree burglary if the offender enters unarmed, and it’s classified as third-degree burglary if the offender enters a commercial building with the intent to commit a misdemeanor, like theft or vandalism. These definitions vary by state, so it’s important to check your state’s laws. 

A robbery, according to the UCR, is “taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.” Taking something from the “care, custody, or control of a person,” can mean anything from taking something from a home to pocketing something from an unattended purse, so a robbery can take place on the street, in a store, or in the home. 

Robberies are almost always felonies because they’re considered a violent act. Violence is broadly defined here because it includes frightening the victim, even if there’s no attempt to harm them. For example, if the offender displays a fake gun, it can count as a felony even though they didn’t physically hurt the victim. 

As with burglary, the exact definition of robbery varies by state, so consult with a professional if you’re a robbery victim.

The main difference between a burglary and a robbery is where it occurs — and it’s kind of complicated.

• Is an unlawful entry into a structure. The type of structure determines what type of burglary it is (commercial, residential, etc.).
• Includes an intent to steal or commit another illegal activity.
• Can occur without force. If it does include the use or threat of force, it’s considered aggravated burglary.
• Is often accompanied by other charges such as theft or vandalism.

• Involves stealing anything of value from a person.
• Requires force or the threat of force, which can include scaring the victim.
• Can occur anywhere — in a home or out of a home, on the street, in a store, and so on.

A person can be charged with both burglary and robbery depending on the circumstances. For example, someone who breaks into a house and steals jewelry, electronics, and other valuables would likely be charged with both. 

Burglary is typically classified as a felony, but the punishment and penalties vary from state to state. Typically, a conviction of burglary means jail time that can range from two to 30 years and fines that range from a few thousand dollars to more than $100,000. The offender may also be required to provide restitution to the victim that will cover the cost of their losses and any repairs they have to complete as a result of the burglary.

Taking steps to protect your home from burglary can help ease your mind both when you’re in the home or out for the day. Here are a few expert tips for 

• Lock your windows and doors. It’s the most basic step you can take but one of the most important. Each layer of protection you put on your home makes it a less appealing target — and burglars are looking for opportunities to get in and out quickly without being noticed. The simple act of locking possible entrances is just one more obstacle for a burglar to get past. Just make sure you’re consistent about it, even if you’re just running to the store for a few minutes.
• Light outdoor areas at night. Again, burglars don’t want to be noticed, so illuminating areas like your backyard and alleyways will help deter them. Plus, turning on outdoor lights every night signals that someone is likely home.
• Put indoor lights on timers. There’s no clearer sign that no one is home than a pitch-dark house in the late evening. Anything you can do to make it look like someone’s home, even if the house is empty, will help keep burglars at bay.
• Install a few home security cameras in key spots, like by front and back doors. These cameras can alert you to unusual movement on your property. On top of that, their mere presence in a visible location can prompt a burglar to pick a different target.
• Invest in a home security system. Home security systems are another tool for both preventing burglaries — their presence is yet another deterrent — as well as alerting the police to ones already in progress. These days home security systems are available on a spectrum that ranges from DIY installation and observation to professionally installation and monitoring. The best home security systems will have multiple sensors that connect to a central hub; a backup battery system for if the power goes out; and an easy-to-use app that lets you monitor and adjust the system whether you’re home or away.

Both burglary and robbery are crimes that shatter a person’s sense of well being. While law enforcement in your area will be able to tell you the nuances of the definitions in your state, at a basic level:

• Burglary is an unlawful entry into a structure.
• Robbery is the removal from a person of something valuable.

Theoretically, an intruder into a home could be charged with robbery, burglary, as well as theft and vandalism, depending on the circumstances of the actual incident. Any steps you can take to protect your home will make it that much less likely you’ll become a victim of any of these crimes.