We all see burglars as petty thieves who break into your home or business and steal valuable items. However, there are many types of burglary depending on their way to operate, designation by charge, habits, etc. A burglar is a person who commits the crime of breaking into a building with the intent to commit an offence therein, such as theft.
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20 Types Of Burglary That You Might Not Know
In this modern era, criminals have found new and creative ways to burglarize homes. In the UK, burglary is a pretty common crime to be seen, it happens every 108 seconds. Meaning, on average 34 burglaries in an hour and 816 in a day! A few of the most common types of burglaries are listed below:
1. First Degree Burglary
This type of burglary is one of the most serious types in which a person forcibly enters someone’s home with the intent to commit another crime, such as rape and murder. They can be sentenced to prison for 12 years or longer. For a person to be charged for first-degree burglary one of the following elements should be present:
- The entering should be done with the intent to commit another crime. Elements of attempted murder and assault may also be considered in proving whether there was an intent to harm anyone inside the house.
- Use of explosives is not necessary but it would increase their criminal liability for purposeful infliction of lack upon someone’s life, health, or body.
- The person has already been convicted previously either by final judgment or when temporarily confined in any correctional facility after having been charged with at least one other crime aside from burglary
- Caused physical harm to the victim.
2. Second Degree Burglary
This type of burglary is much less serious where a person unlawfully enters someone’s home or business, but it does not have the intent to harm them. However, if any crime is being committed inside then they can be charged as well. Prison for this type of sentence ranges from 1-2 years depending on the judge and their discretion.
3. Third Degree Burglary
This type of burglary is also one of the least dangerous types, however, it is still considered a felony crime where an individual unlawfully enters another person’s home with no intent to commit any other crimes besides burglary.
This type of entry may be done by someone who has no right to do so; through an open window or door (breaking). The penalty can range from 1 to 3 years for the first time and can increase to 15 for a related offence.
4. Fourth Degree Burglary
This type of burglary is done without any criminal intent and it is similar to third-degree burglary, however, this type of burglary is done with the intent to steal. It might be done by forcing entry through an opened door or window or even through an unopened door or window.
5. Common burglar
These robbers are usually beginners of the criminal life who are just starting their crime spree. They often break into homes by breaking doors or windows with common tools, usually a screwdriver or pry bar.
The criminals will try to be stealthy and avoid making any noise or taking anything of value that they can be traced. This type of burglar is not dangerous but if confronted they may resort to violence.
6. Organised Burglaries
This type of burglary is more organised compared to common thieves, however, these robbers are less interested in committing other crimes inside the house, impairing them from being charged with first-degree burglary. The goal of these burglars is to steal high-value items without being caught by anyone while still leaving the house looking untouched afterward.
7. Hunters
They are common thieves with few years of experience. Their methods are usually quick and quiet. They will either break into homes or businesses by breaking doors or windows with common tools, mostly a crowbar. If confronted they may not use violence but instead, flee the area if able to do so.
8. Prowler
This type of burglar uses high-tech equipment such as lock pick or even listening devices to hear if anyone is inside the home before the break-in. They are usually professionals who might not ransack the house but will search for valuables.
9. Safecrackers
They don’t like it if someone awakes or notices them and can be very dangerous if confronted on first base. Their goal is to break into safes. They usually carry tools such as drills, torches, and explosives which may cause property damage or injury if the safe does not open on the first attempt.
10. Specialised Burglar
This type of burglar usually carries high-tech equipment such as lock picks or listening devices to help them avoid any confrontation while breaking into homes or businesses. However, if confronted on first base they may use violence but instead, flee the area if able to do so.
11. Professional Burglar
They are commonly known as “capers” and they are very dangerous. They will not hesitate to use violence against their victim if confronted. Their goal is simple: steal and leave the scene without being noticed or traced back to them. Burglary is one of the most common crimes in America today with over 2 million reported cases each year.
12. Break-In Burglary
When a criminal breaks into a home through a window or door, usually during the day when no one is home. They are very clever and usually go straight for the master bedroom to gather anything of value they might find.
13. Home Invasion Burglary
When a criminal takes advantage of an unlocked door or window, then enters the home when someone is there. They are often armed with a deadly weapon so it is better to keep your
14. Commercial Burglary
A common way that criminals steal valuables from businesses is by breaking through a wall to get back into the building after it has been closed.
15. Identity Theft Burglary
A criminal gets into the home or business by pretending to be someone else, usually a maintenance person. They then steal documents that contain the victim’s personal information and use them for personal gain.
16. Telephone Burglary
A criminal calls you on the phone and claims he is from your power company. He tells you that there are problems with your metre and comes over to fix it right away around dinner time when no one is there. When you come to the door, he acts surprised and says that he must have had the wrong address. He leaves but returns later on when you are not there.
17. House Booby Trap Burglary
A criminal instals booby traps around your home making it easy for him to break in at night while you are sleeping.
18. Cardboard Burglary
A cardboard refrigerator box is stolen by a thief posing as a delivery man or moving company worker then used to gain entry into the building after hours without being seen.
19. Utility Burglary
A thief comes onto your property under the guise of repairing phone lines, cable TV, gas pipes, or electrical wiring with shoddy workmanship so they can steal items from inside your house.
20. Mailbox Burglary
A thief gains access to your mailbox and makes copies of your mail. He then opens new accounts using your identity or resells the credit cards you got in the mail.
Types Of Burglary – Conclusion
There are many different types of burglary who have their way of breaking into homes or businesses. They will do anything necessary to complete their goal without getting caught. It is important to keep your home safe with good locks, alarms, and windows. Making sure that you are not advertising valuables like nice TVs or ATMs with expensive equipment can also help you avoid being a victim.