Burglary is the act of entering a building with criminal intent, such as taking property that does not belong to you. Burglary sometimes overlaps with robbery but tends not to involve force or intimidation against a person to acquire the property. However, burglaries can go wrong and become violent in the process.
Here are some of the most common reasons why people commit burglary.
For money
Often, people commit burglary with the intention of selling the stolen items for cash. Homes and cars that have expensive items that a potential burglar can view through the window are particularly at risk of getting broken into by those who aim to commit a crime for money.
For drugs
Drug addiction is unfortunately a big problem in the United States. Some people, especially those who lack access to resources to get help, will stop at little to feed their addiction. Prescription drugs, such as opioid painkillers, are commonly stolen in Florida along with illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine. If you have a legitimate prescription for opioids or other controlled substances, keep them in a safe place and count them regularly.
For the thrill
Sometimes, people who commit crimes do so for the perceived excitement and to experience the potential of getting caught. These burglars usually look for easy opportunities to enter a building, such as an unlocked door or opened window.
Knowing the most common reasons why people commit burglary can enable law-abiding citizens to keep themselves safe, and allow would-be burglarers to seek the help that they need before resorting to crime.