Burglary, also called breaking and entering (B&E) and housebreaking, is the act of illegally entering a building or other areas without permission, typically with the intention of committing a further criminal offence. Usually that offence is theft, larceny, robbery, or murder, but most jurisdictions include others within the ambit of burglary. To commit burglary is to burgle, a term back-formed from the word burglar, or to burglarize.
The aftermath of a burglary at a branch of John Lewis in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK. The thieves entered the building via the roof and descended to the second floor through the ceiling to steal electronic goods, inflicting substantial damage to the ceiling and floor space.
Burglary suspect discarding an item in bushes as he tries to get away from pursuing officers of the West Midlands Police
Burglar alarm outside a bank in Florida
Theft is the act of taking another person's property or services without that person's permission or consent with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. The word theft is also used as a synonym or informal shorthand term for some crimes against property, such as larceny, robbery, embezzlement, extortion, blackmail, or receiving stolen property. In some jurisdictions, theft is considered to be synonymous with larceny, while in others, theft is defined more narrowly. A person who engages in theft is known as a thief.
The Cunning Thief by Paul-Charles Chocarne-Moreau, depicting a thief about to steal a baked good
The Robbers Stone, West Lavington, Wiltshire. This memorial warns against thieving by recording the fate of several who attempted highway robbery on the spot in 1839.
Two young waifs steal a fine pair of boots.
Bicycles can occasionally be stolen, even when locked up, by removing the wheel or cutting the lock that holds them.
