It’s common practice for someone who has been the victim of a crime to claim that he has either been burglarized or robbed. While many people use these terms interchangeably, they are actually two very different types of crime.
What is a Burglary? Burglary is a term used to describe crimes usually reported as “breaking and entering” or “break ins.” A burglary is specifically described as the unlawful entry of a structure in order to commit an act of theft or some other type of felony. In most states the term “structure” refers to a physical building. The term does not usually apply to vehicles as most vehicle crimes fall under the category of larceny.
What is a Robbery?
A robbery is the act of, or attempt to, take something that does not belong to you from someone else. The difference between a robbery and a burglary is that during a robbery the perpetrator may try to use some sort of threat or force to coerce submission. Most bank thefts and muggings fall into the category of “robbery.”
(more…)