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15 Dec 2025
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Understanding Robbery and Burglary: Key Elements and Notable Cases
Demetra
@demetra_21
1 / 4
Understanding Robbery and Burglary
Think of robbery as theft with violence - it's when someone steals something whilst using force or threatening to use it. This makes it much more serious than ordinary theft, which is why the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
Under Section 8 of the Theft Act 1968, robbery happens when someone steals and uses force "immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so." The key thing here is that all the normal elements of theft must be present first.
Quick Check: If there's no completed theft, there can't be robbery - even if force was used!
The case of R v Waters (2015) shows this perfectly. A defendant snatched someone's phone but said he'd give it back if her friend spoke to him. Since he didn't intend to keep it permanently, there was no theft - so no robbery either.
What Counts as Force in Robbery
You don't need to throw punches for it to count as force - even a simple push can be enough. The courts take a pretty broad view of what constitutes "force or threat of force".
In Dawson and James (1976), one defendant just pushed the victim who lost his balance, whilst the other took his wallet. The Court of Appeal said "force" is an ordinary word and it's up to the jury to decide if force was actually used.
However, there must be some direct contact. In P v DPP (2012), someone snatched a cigarette from another person's hand without touching them - this wasn't robbery because there was no direct force on the person.
Remember: The force must be used "in order to steal" - not just at the same time as stealing.
The timing is flexible though. In R v Hale (1979), defendants forced their way into a house, stole a jewellery box, then tied up the victim before leaving. The court said the theft was ongoing, so the tying up still counted as force "in order to steal."
Burglary - Two Different Types
Burglary is completely different from robbery because it's about unlawfully entering buildings, not using force against people. There are actually two types under the Theft Act 1968.
Section 9(1)(a) covers entering a building as a trespasser with intent to steal, cause grievous bodily harm, or do unlawful damage. You don't actually have to commit these crimes - just intend to. Section 9(1)(b) is when someone enters as a trespasser and then actually steals or inflicts GBH.
The famous case of R v Collins (1973) established that entry must be "effective and substantial." This drunk defendant climbed through a window to have sex with someone who thought he was her boyfriend - but his conviction was overturned because she'd actually invited him in.
Key Point: You can't be guilty of burglary if you had permission to enter, unless you go beyond that permission.
However, R v Brown (1985) showed you don't need your whole body inside - leaning through a broken window whilst rummaging through goods was enough for burglary.
Buildings, Trespass and Intent
The law defines buildings quite broadly - houses, offices, shops, and even some vehicles count if they're lived in. Section 9(3) specifically mentions caravans, and B&S v Leathley (1979) decided a freezer container was a building after sitting on a farm for over two years.
You can even burglarise part of a building. In R v Walkington (1979), someone went behind a shop counter and opened the till. Even though he was allowed in the shop, he wasn't allowed behind the counter, making him a trespasser in that part.
The prosecution must prove you knew you were trespassing. This includes situations where you had permission but went beyond it, like in R v Jones (1976) where a son took TVs from his father's house without permission.
Mental Element: For s9(1)(a), you need intent to commit theft, GBH or criminal damage when entering. For s9(1)(b), you need the mental element for whatever crime you actually commit inside.
The key difference between the two types is timing - s9(1)(a) is about what you planned to do, whilst s9(1)(b) is about what you actually did once inside.
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Robbery and Burglary: Key Elements and Notable Cases
Demetra
@demetra_21
Ever wondered why stealing someone's phone through force is treated differently from just sneaking into someone's house? Robbery and burglary are two serious property crimes that might seem similar, but they're actually quite different in how the law views them.
Understanding Robbery and Burglary
Think of robbery as theft with violence - it's when someone steals something whilst using force or threatening to use it. This makes it much more serious than ordinary theft, which is why the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
Under Section 8 of the Theft Act 1968, robbery happens when someone steals and uses force "immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so." The key thing here is that all the normal elements of theft must be present first.
Quick Check: If there's no completed theft, there can't be robbery - even if force was used!
The case of R v Waters (2015) shows this perfectly. A defendant snatched someone's phone but said he'd give it back if her friend spoke to him. Since he didn't intend to keep it permanently, there was no theft - so no robbery either.
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What Counts as Force in Robbery
You don't need to throw punches for it to count as force - even a simple push can be enough. The courts take a pretty broad view of what constitutes "force or threat of force".
In Dawson and James (1976), one defendant just pushed the victim who lost his balance, whilst the other took his wallet. The Court of Appeal said "force" is an ordinary word and it's up to the jury to decide if force was actually used.
However, there must be some direct contact. In P v DPP (2012), someone snatched a cigarette from another person's hand without touching them - this wasn't robbery because there was no direct force on the person.
Remember: The force must be used "in order to steal" - not just at the same time as stealing.
The timing is flexible though. In R v Hale (1979), defendants forced their way into a house, stole a jewellery box, then tied up the victim before leaving. The court said the theft was ongoing, so the tying up still counted as force "in order to steal."
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Burglary - Two Different Types
Burglary is completely different from robbery because it's about unlawfully entering buildings, not using force against people. There are actually two types under the Theft Act 1968.
Section 9(1)(a) covers entering a building as a trespasser with intent to steal, cause grievous bodily harm, or do unlawful damage. You don't actually have to commit these crimes - just intend to. Section 9(1)(b) is when someone enters as a trespasser and then actually steals or inflicts GBH.
The famous case of R v Collins (1973) established that entry must be "effective and substantial." This drunk defendant climbed through a window to have sex with someone who thought he was her boyfriend - but his conviction was overturned because she'd actually invited him in.
Key Point: You can't be guilty of burglary if you had permission to enter, unless you go beyond that permission.
However, R v Brown (1985) showed you don't need your whole body inside - leaning through a broken window whilst rummaging through goods was enough for burglary.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Buildings, Trespass and Intent
The law defines buildings quite broadly - houses, offices, shops, and even some vehicles count if they're lived in. Section 9(3) specifically mentions caravans, and B&S v Leathley (1979) decided a freezer container was a building after sitting on a farm for over two years.
You can even burglarise part of a building. In R v Walkington (1979), someone went behind a shop counter and opened the till. Even though he was allowed in the shop, he wasn't allowed behind the counter, making him a trespasser in that part.
The prosecution must prove you knew you were trespassing. This includes situations where you had permission but went beyond it, like in R v Jones (1976) where a son took TVs from his father's house without permission.
Mental Element: For s9(1)(a), you need intent to commit theft, GBH or criminal damage when entering. For s9(1)(b), you need the mental element for whatever crime you actually commit inside.
The key difference between the two types is timing - s9(1)(a) is about what you planned to do, whilst s9(1)(b) is about what you actually did once inside.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Law
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user