Burglary

Breaking and entry

Nature

Burglary is surreptitiously entering or remaining in a building with the intent of committing a crime, whether theft, rape, robbery or kidnapping.

Incidence

Neglecting national variations in the basis of statistical estimates, figures from Interpol indicate that in 1990 there were approximately 8,452,000 cases of breaking and entering reported from 91 countries worldwide, namely 279.0 per 100,000 population; some 1,527,000 (namely 18%) were claimed to have been resolved. In the UK over 1 million burglaries are reported each year. Burglaries account for a quarter of all crime, and are increasing a rate of 9% in 1993 (house burglaries by 12%). In 75% of burglaries where property is stolen, the average loss is an estimated £1,000. Less than 5% of stolen goods are actually recovered. Approximately 400,000 of the 1 million burglaries in the UK are facilitated by unlocked doors and insecure windows.

Claim

Burglary is a pervasive and alarming issue that undermines the safety and security of our communities. It violates personal sanctuaries, instills fear, and erodes trust among neighbors. The emotional and financial toll on victims is profound, often leading to long-lasting trauma. Addressing burglary is not just about protecting property; it’s about safeguarding our sense of well-being and community cohesion. We must prioritize prevention and enforcement to combat this critical problem that affects us all.

Counter-claim

Burglary is often exaggerated as a pressing issue, but in reality, it pales in comparison to more significant societal problems like poverty, healthcare, and education. The media sensationalizes these incidents, creating unnecessary fear. Most communities experience low burglary rates, and advancements in security technology have made homes safer than ever. Instead of focusing on burglary, we should prioritize addressing systemic issues that truly impact our quality of life and well-being.