Crime Types
Burglary
Definition: The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft, regardless of whether force was used to gain entry.
In Detail
Burglary is a property crime defined by the UCR program as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. Unlike robbery, burglary does not require confrontation with a victim — in fact, most burglaries occur when the structure is unoccupied. The FBI categorizes burglary into three sub-types: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry. The national burglary rate was approximately 270 per 100,000 in 2023, a figure that has been declining steadily for decades. In the early 1980s, the burglary rate exceeded 1,600 per 100,000, meaning the current rate represents roughly an 83% decline over four decades. This dramatic reduction is attributed to improved home security systems, better locks and lighting, neighborhood watch programs, and changes in the housing stock. Despite the decline, burglary remains a significant concern for residents because it involves the violation of personal space — having one's home or business entered creates a sense of vulnerability that extends beyond the monetary loss. Cities with high burglary rates may have different underlying factors than those with high violent crime rates, which is why CrimeContext tracks property crimes separately. Residential burglaries account for roughly two-thirds of all burglaries, with the remainder occurring at commercial establishments.
Related Terms
Offenses involving the taking or destruction of property without force or threat of force, including burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
The unlawful taking of property from another person without the use of force, violence, or fraud — the most common crime in America.
The taking or attempted taking of anything of value from a person by force, threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear.
The direction and rate of change in crime rates over a period of time, showing whether a city or region is becoming safer or more dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Burglary" mean in crime statistics?
The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft, regardless of whether force was used to gain entry.
Why is burglary important for understanding crime data?
Burglary is a property crime defined by the UCR program as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. Unlike robbery, burglary does not require confrontation with a victim — in fact, most burglaries occur when the structure is unoccupied. The FBI categorizes burglary into three sub-types: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry.