Chapter 13

Burglary

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Introduction• Word burglar comes from the German words burg,

meaning “house,” and laron, meaning “thief”• Burglary is reported by frequency and by the value of

the property stolen and recovered• 30-year decline in burglaries due partly to

improvements in locks and burglar alarm technology• Public regards burglary as a major crime problem

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DIFFERENCES• Burglar seeks to avoid contact • Robbers confront their victims directly• Burglary is a crime against property• Robbery is a crime against a person

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Burglary versus Robbery

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES• Buildings, structures or

attachments suitable for dwellings

• Routine-activity theory Likely or motivated offenders Suitable targets Absence of guardians

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Classification

COMMERCIAL BURGLARIES• Burglars often specialize in one type of facility• Out-of-way businesses more susceptible• Occur when establishments are closed• Buildings may be “cased” in advance

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Classification

KEY ELEMENTS• All states include three key elements:

Entering a structure Without the consent of the person in possession With intent to commit a crime therein

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Elements of the Crime: Burglary

ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS• Breaking into the dwelling of

another during the nighttime• Presumptive evidence • Burden of proof on the defendant

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Elements of the Crime: Burglary

DETERMINATION• National Crime Information Center (NCIC)• Presence of dangerous devices in the burglar’s

possession• Value of the property stolen• Additional crime is separate and must be proven

separately

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Establishing the Severity of the Burglary

ELEMENTS• An offense separate from burglaryTOOLS• Nitroglycerin or other explosives • Slam pullers• Bump key • Lock bumping

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Elements of the Crime: Possession of Burglary Tools

REPRESENTATION• No set image• Of all sizes, ages, races and occupations• Either amateurs or longtime professionals• Most burglars’ motives are monetary or drug related

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The Burglar

RESPONSE• Proceed to a burglary scene quietly• Be observant and cautious • Search the premises inside and outside

FALSE BURGLAR ALARMS• Verified response policy

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Responding to a Burglary Call

OVERVIEW• National clearance rate of less than 13 percent• Perceived as being high-time investments• Low-result rewards• Show concern for victims• Log articles with serial numbers into NCIC

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The Preliminary Investigation

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES• Middle- to upper-class preferred• Corner homes • See people approaching from a maximum of directions• May knock on doors• May call in advance

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The Preliminary Investigation

COMMERCIAL BURGLARIES• Contact the owner• Protect the scene • Establish the point and method of entry and exit• Determine the type and amount of loss• Determine who closed the establishment• Describe the MO

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The Preliminary Investigation

FAKE BURGLARIES• Especially in commercial burglaries• Owner appears to be in financial difficulty• Check the owner’s financial status• Combination safe jobs

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The Preliminary Investigation

OVERVIEW• Burglary is a crime of opportunity and concealment• Entry is made in areas of a structure not normally

observed• Jimmying• Hit-and-run burglary• Smash and grab

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Determining Entry into Structures

METHODS• Punching• Peeling• Chopping• Pulling or dragging• Blowing• Burning

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Determining Entry into Safes and Vaults

COMMON PHYSICAL EVIDENCE• Fingerprints and footprints• Tire prints, tools and tool marks• Broken glass and paint chips• Safe insulation• Explosives residue• Personal possessions

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Obtaining Physical Evidence

IMPORTANCE• Time• Type of victim• Type of premises• Point and means of entry• Type of property taken• Peculiarities of the offense

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Modus Operandi Factors

OVERVIEW• Profiling• Mapping• Computer’s search capabilities• Recognize the mobility of burglars• Make assignments on the MO

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Effective Case Management

LEADS FOR RECOVERY• Pawnshops• Secondhand stores• Flea markets• Online auction sites• Informants

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Recovering Stolen Property

STOLEN PROPERTY• Fence is a go-between who receives stolen goods• Elements

Receiving, buying or concealing stolen or illegally obtained goods

Knowing them to be stolen Knowing them to be illegally obtained

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Offense of Receiving Stolen Goods

MEASURES• Installing adequate locks, striker plates and door

frames• Installing adequate lighting• Providing clearly visible addresses• Eliminating obstructions to windows• Securing skylights

Continued

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Preventing Burglary

MEASURES• Installing burglarproof sidelight window glass• Installing burglar alarm• Placing exterior burglar alarm signage• Keeping dogs on premises

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Preventing Burglary (Continued)

Summary• Burglary is the unlawful entry of a structure to commit

a crime• Burglars are covert, seeking to remain unseen• Burglaries are classified as residential or commercial• When responding to a burglary call, proceed to the

scene quietly

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