Robbery vs. Burglary: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Robbery involves taking property directly from a person with force or intimidation, while Burglary is the unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft.
Key Differences
Robbery is a crime that involves the use of force or threat to take property directly from a person. Burglary, in contrast, is defined by the unlawful entry into a building or residence, often with the intent to commit theft or another felony.
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Nov 15, 2023
In robbery, the victim is directly confronted, which can involve physical harm or intimidation. Burglary may occur without any direct interaction with the victims, as it often takes place when the structure is unoccupied.
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Nov 15, 2023
The key element of robbery is the presence of a victim who is threatened or harmed. Burglary is characterized primarily by the illegal entry, whether the occupants are present or not, and whether or not anything is actually stolen.
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Nov 15, 2023
Robbery is considered a more severe crime because of the immediate threat to personal safety. Burglary can vary in severity, depending on factors like whether the structure was occupied and the time of day it occurred.
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Nov 15, 2023
Charges for robbery can include armed or aggravated robbery, depending on the use of weapons. Burglary charges can be classified into degrees based on factors like the intended crime after entry or the type of building entered.
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Nov 15, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Taking property from a person with force or intimidation.
Unlawful entry into a structure to commit a crime.
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Nov 15, 2023
Victim Interaction
Direct confrontation with the victim.
May not involve direct interaction with victims.
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Key Element
Use of force or threat against a person.
Illegal entry into a building or residence.
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Severity
Considered more severe due to personal threat.
Severity varies; often less severe than robbery.
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Charges
Can include armed or aggravated robbery.
Classified into degrees based on circumstances of the entry.
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Robbery and Burglary Definitions
Robbery
Involving weapons to steal from someone.
The armed robbery at the store left everyone shaken.
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Nov 11, 2023
Burglary
Illegal entry with intent to commit a crime.
The police arrested him for burglary of a residential home.
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Nov 11, 2023
Robbery
Forcibly taking someone's property.
The bank was closed after a robbery took place.
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Nov 11, 2023
Burglary
A crime against property.
The rise in burglary rates has alarmed the community.
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Robbery
A common form of street crime.
He was charged with robbery after mugging a pedestrian.
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Nov 11, 2023
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Burglary
Often occurring at night.
The nocturnal burglary went unnoticed until morning.
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Robbery
Involving serious injury or threat.
The criminal faced aggravated robbery charges.
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Burglary
Involves breaking into a building.
The suspects were charged with burglary for breaking and entering.
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Nov 11, 2023
Robbery
The act or an instance of unlawfully taking the property of another by the use of violence or intimidation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Burglary
Usually with the intent to steal.
The burglary was committed with the intent to steal electronics.
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Nov 11, 2023
Burglary
The act of entering another's premises without authorization in order to commit a crime, such as theft.
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Oct 19, 2023
Robbery
(legal) The offense of taking or attempting to take the property of another by force or threat of force.
Bank 'robbery
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Oct 19, 2023
Burglary
An instance of this
There were 10 burglaries in the area last month.
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Oct 19, 2023
Robbery
The act or practice of robbing; theft.
Thieves for their robbery have authorityWhen judges steal themselves.
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Oct 19, 2023
Burglary
The crime of unlawfully breaking into a vehicle, house, store, or other enclosure with the intent to steal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Burglary
(law) Under the common law, breaking and entering of the dwelling of another at night with the intent to commit a felony.
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Oct 19, 2023
Burglary
Under the Model Penal Code, entering a building or occupied structure with purpose to commit a crime therein, unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter. Model Penal Code § 221.1.
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Oct 19, 2023
Robbery
Resulting in financial loss to the victim.
The robbery caused significant financial loss to the victim.
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Nov 11, 2023
Burglary
Breaking and entering the dwelling house of another, in the nighttime, with intent to commit a felony therein, whether the felonious purpose be accomplished or not.
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Oct 19, 2023
Burglary
Entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is theft necessary for a burglary charge?
No, the intent to commit any crime, not just theft, can result in a burglary charge.
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Nov 15, 2023
What is the primary difference between robbery and burglary?
Robbery involves force or threat to take property directly from a person, while burglary involves unlawful entry into a structure to commit a crime.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can robbery be committed without taking anything?
No, the act of taking property is essential to the definition of robbery.
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Are weapons always involved in robbery?
Not always, but the use of weapons leads to more severe charges like armed robbery.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can burglary occur in unoccupied buildings?
Yes, burglary often occurs in unoccupied buildings.
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Is burglary considered a violent crime?
Burglary is not typically considered a violent crime unless it involves assault or threat.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can burglary happen during the day?
Yes, burglary can occur at any time, though it's often associated with nighttime.
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Nov 15, 2023
How do law enforcement officers investigate burglary?
Burglary investigations often involve examining entry points, collecting fingerprints, and reviewing surveillance footage.
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Nov 15, 2023
Does robbery always involve physical violence?
Not always, but it involves the threat or use of force or intimidation.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can trespassing be considered burglary?
Trespassing alone is not burglary unless there's intent to commit a crime upon entry.
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What kind of property is typically targeted in robbery?
Robbery often targets easily transportable items like money, electronics, or jewelry.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is the presence of a victim required for robbery?
Yes, robbery requires a victim to be present and threatened or harmed.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is shoplifting considered robbery?
No, shoplifting is a form of theft without the elements of force or intimidation found in robbery.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is breaking and entering necessary for burglary?
Burglary involves illegal entry, which can be through breaking and entering or other means.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can robbery charges include conspiracy?
Yes, if multiple individuals plan and execute a robbery, they can be charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.
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Do burglary charges require proof of stolen goods?
No, charges are based on unlawful entry and intent, not necessarily on successful theft.
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Nov 15, 2023
What factors increase burglary severity?
Factors like the presence of occupants, time of day, and use of weapons can increase burglary severity.
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Nov 15, 2023
How does robbery affect the victim?
Robbery can have significant emotional and financial impacts on the victim.
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Nov 15, 2023
What are the penalties for robbery?
Penalties for robbery can include imprisonment, fines, and restitution, varying by jurisdiction and severity.
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Nov 15, 2023
What evidence is used in burglary cases?
Evidence in burglary cases can include tools used for entry, stolen items, and surveillance footage.
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Nov 15, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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