I n most cases, residential burglars attempt to avoid confronting victims. They tend to probe carefully and to make overt entry at the side or rear of a residence, using available cover. Burglars generally prefer to work alone, and most target unoccupied dwellings. Most incidents of burglary do not result in violence, even when the burglar is discovered. When violence does occur, it often results from the offender's frantic attempt to escape.
Burglars wear dark clothing and gloves and carry prying tools.
In addition, burglars must deal with a multitude of potential threats, such as increasingly sophisticated alarm systems, metal bars on doors and windows, guard dogs, and neighborhood watch groups. Not knowing the homeowners' whereabouts causes additional anxiety. Burglary is, for the most part, a stealth crime that depends on opportunity. In contrast, confrontation generally is considered the key element in home invasion robberies. Home invaders prefer to make direct entry into a targeted residence.