Difference Between Theft and Burglary

Theft vs Burglary
 

Analyzing the difference between theft and burglary becomes necessary when we understand that theft and burglary are two words that are often confused as words that give the same meaning. Strictly speaking they are characterized by different meanings. It is, of course, true that both theft and burglary are liable for punishment by law. Theft has its origins in the Old English words thīefth, thēofth. On the other hand, burglary has its origins in the early 16th century. A feature both these words have in common is that both theft and burglary are nouns. This article focuses on the difference between theft and burglary.

What does Theft mean?

When it comes to the intent t heft is not considered an intent crime. In theft, you deprive the owner of the property of its use. In other words, you steal something that belongs to someone else making them lose that object. Theft aims at getting one’s hand on something that does not belong to them. In doing so, the robber makes the owner lose the object. Theft can take place anywhere, even at a public place like a picnicking spot. In other words, it can be said that a person who robs some money kept on a table in a common place like a hotel cannot be charged with burglary. He can be charged, of course, with theft. He lifts the money from the table whereas burglary is committed by forcefully entering into the premises of the owner of a property with a specific intention. Theft is considered a misdemeanor. Moreover, theft is punishable based on the worth of the object stolen.

What does Burglary mean?

When it comes to intent burglary is considered a specific intent crime. In other words, we could say that a kind of specific intent can be seen behind a burglary. In short, it can be said that a robber enters the premises or a building with a specific intention. Moreover, burglary consists of entering the dwelling of another person with the intent to commit a crime well within the dwelling. Unlike theft that can take place at a public place, burglary does not take place at a public place like a picnicking spot. Burglary is usually considered a felony. This shows that the burglary is a more serious offence when compared to theft.

What is the difference between Theft and Burglary?

• Both of theft and burglary differ in terms of intent. Theft is not considered an intent crime whereas burglary is considered a specific intent crime. This is the main difference between theft and burglary.

• In theft, you deprive the owner of the property of its use. In other words, you steal something that belongs to someone else making them lose that object.

• Burglary consists of entering the dwelling of another person with the intent to commit a crime well within the dwelling.

• Theft can take place anywhere, even at a public place like a picnicking spot. On the other hand, burglary does not take place at a public place like a picnicking spot.

• The nature of punishment awarded to a theft is different from the nature of punishment awarded to burglary.

• Burglary is usually considered a felony while theft is considered misdemeanor. This is one of the major differences between theft and burglary.