As a rule, the totality of the circumstances should be examined to pinpoint the offenders' specific criminal intent. In other words, rather than focusing on the end result, investigators should attempt to determine what the offenders had in mind prior to the offense. To address home invasion robbery adequately, legislatures, law enforcement, and the courts must first understand the elements that distinguish it from other offenses. 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.