Defining burglary vs. robbery While the terms are practically synonymous today, there’s a big difference between burglary and robbery in the court of law.

What is burglary? The common-law definition of burglary, developed centuries ago, was defined as entering someone’s home at night to commit a crime. Of course, modern courts have evolved the term quite a bit. Today’s definition of burglary has expanded to include the unlawful entering of any structure, at any time of day, with the intent to steal property. Structures can include business offices, homes, and even garages or garden sheds. Burglaries do not require forcible entry—a burglar can just walk in an unlocked door. In order for a burglary to take place, a victim does not have to be present. That means a burglary can take place in your home when you’re away on vacation, but robberies cannot.