: These individuals do not plan ahead; they simply take advantage of an easy opening, like an unlocked door or an open window.
: Highly skilled individuals who may "case" a property for days to learn the occupants' routines and bypass sophisticated security systems. The Burglar's Process burglar
: A step above the opportunist, these burglars identify and premeditate targets before acting. : These individuals do not plan ahead; they
: Speed is essential. Most burglars aim to complete the entire theft within 10 minutes, with many attempting to leave within just 3 minutes if they cannot gain entry quickly. : Speed is essential
A typical burglary involves several distinct phases designed to maximize gain while minimizing the risk of being caught:
: Identifying homes without visible security cameras or those with "soft" entry points. Professional burglars may observe a property over time to determine when it is most likely to be vacant.
Burglars are often categorized by their level of planning and expertise: