Criminal law
Robbery vs burglary
Robbery is theft committed with the use or threat of force (s 8 Theft Act 1968); burglary is entering a building as a trespasser with intent to steal, inflict grievous bodily harm or cause criminal damage — or committing theft/GBH having entered as a trespasser (s 9). Robbery turns on force; burglary on trespassory entry.
Last reviewed 14 June 2026
| Aspect | Robbery | Burglary |
|---|---|---|
| Defining feature | Theft plus force, or the threat of force, at or immediately before the time of stealing | Trespassory entry into a building with the relevant intent |
| Statute | s 8 Theft Act 1968 | s 9 Theft Act 1968 |
| Force required? | Yes — force or the fear of force is essential | No force needed; the wrong is the trespassory entry |
| Must property be taken? | Yes — robbery requires a completed theft | No — entry with intent suffices (s 9(1)(a)); or theft/GBH after entry (s 9(1)(b)) |
Key cases
- R v Dawson and James (1976) 64 Cr App R 170
- Corcoran v Anderton (1980) 71 Cr App R 104
- R v Collins [1973] QB 100
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between robbery and burglary?
Robbery is theft using force or the threat of force; burglary is entering a building as a trespasser with intent to steal or commit certain other offences. Robbery needs force; burglary needs trespassory entry.
Does burglary require something to be stolen?
No. Entering as a trespasser with the relevant intent is enough (s 9(1)(a) Theft Act 1968); actually stealing or inflicting GBH after entry is the s 9(1)(b) form.