Robbery vs. Burglary — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
"Robbery" involves taking something of value directly from a person using force or intimidation. "Burglary" is unlawfully entering a building to commit theft or a felony.
Difference Between Robbery and Burglary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Robbery and Burglary are both criminal acts, but they differ fundamentally in their definitions and implications. Robbery refers to the act of taking someone's property by using force, violence, or the threat of violence. The presence and intimidation of the victim are crucial elements of robbery. For example, if someone forcefully snatches a purse from another person, that's a robbery.
On the other hand, Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building, residence, or other premises with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. The act of breaking and entering does not necessarily have to involve force; the mere act of trespassing with criminal intent is sufficient. Unlike robbery, burglary does not require the presence or intimidation of a victim.
While Robbery focuses on the direct confrontation and threat to a person during the act of theft, Burglary centers on the illegal entry and the intent to commit a crime therein. For instance, breaking into a shop at night when it's closed, with the intention to steal, is a burglary.
In some jurisdictions, the definitions of Robbery and Burglary can vary slightly, but the general distinction remains consistent. Robbery typically carries a heavier legal penalty since it involves direct harm or threat to an individual, whereas Burglary focuses on the illegal intrusion and intent within a property.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Taking property using force or threat from a person
Unlawfully entering a structure with ill intent
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Involvement of Violence
Involves force or threat
Does not require force
Victim's Presence
Requires victim's presence
Doesn't require victim's presence
Location
Anywhere
Inside a structure
Main Element
Intimidation
Illegal entry
Compare with Definitions
Robbery
Stealing directly from a person
The sudden robbery left her shaken.
Burglary
Unlawful entry with criminal intent
The store was closed at the time of the burglary.
Robbery
Theft with force
He committed a robbery by threatening the cashier.
Burglary
Breaking into a place to steal
His house was the latest target for burglary.
Robbery
Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take anything of value by force, threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear. According to common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear; that is, it is a larceny or theft accomplished by an assault.
Burglary
Illegal entry into any structure
The abandoned building was a common site for burglary.
Robbery
The act or an instance of unlawfully taking the property of another by the use of violence or intimidation.
Burglary
Trespassing to commit a crime
The burglary was caught on the security camera.
Robbery
The act or practice of robbing.
Burglary
Intrusion with felonious purpose
The items were stolen during last night's burglary.
Robbery
(legal) The offense of taking or attempting to take the property of another by force or threat of force.
Bank 'robbery
Burglary
Burglary, also called breaking and entering and sometimes housebreaking, is illegally entering a building or other areas to commit a crime. Usually that offence is theft, robbery or murder, but most jurisdictions include others within the ambit of burglary.
Robbery
The act or practice of robbing; theft.
Thieves for their robbery have authorityWhen judges steal themselves.
Burglary
Illegal entry of a building with intent to commit a crime, especially theft
A series of burglaries
A two-year sentence for burglary
Robbery
Larceny by threat of violence
Burglary
The act of entering another's premises without authorization in order to commit a crime, such as theft.
Robbery
Plundering during riots or in wartime
Burglary
An instance of this
There were 10 burglaries in the area last month.
Robbery
Act of depriving
It felt like daylight robbery when he charged that much.
Burglary
The crime of unlawfully breaking into a vehicle, house, store, or other enclosure with the intent to steal.
Robbery
Illegally taking assets
Bank robbery is a major crime.
Burglary
(law) Under the common law, breaking and entering of the dwelling of another at night with the intent to commit a felony.
Robbery
Looting by force
The invaders committed multiple acts of robbery.
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.
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.
Burglary
Entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property
Common Curiosities
Does Burglary always involve theft?
No, it's about unlawful entry with the intent to commit any crime, not just theft.
Is a victim always present during a Robbery?
Yes, Robbery involves direct confrontation with a victim.
Can someone be charged with Burglary without stealing anything?
Yes, if they unlawfully entered with the intent to commit a crime.
Which involves violence, Robbery or Burglary?
Robbery typically involves force or threat of violence.
Does Burglary require breaking something to gain entry?
No, even trespassing with criminal intent can be considered Burglary.
Which is more serious, Robbery or Burglary?
Legally, Robbery often carries a heavier penalty due to the threat to an individual.
Is purse-snatching considered a Robbery?
Yes, because it involves force and a direct victim.
What's the main element in Robbery?
The use of force or intimidation while taking someone's property.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
