It was a chilly November evening when Lisa returned to her apartment after a long day at work. She reached for her keys and opened the door, only to notice that her living room window was wide open. Her TV and laptop were missing, and a few drawers were ransacked. Panic set in.
While talking to her insurance company, Lisa was asked whether this was a theft, burglary, or robbery. She was unsure about the difference between these crimes.
If you've ever found yourself in a situation like Lisa's, understanding the legal definitions of theft, burglary, and robbery is important — for insurance and for reporting the crime to authorities. Let's explore these terms, their differences, and how to obtain a police report in Chicago if you're ever a victim.
What Is Theft?
Theft is the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. In simpler terms, theft occurs when someone takes what doesn't belong to them without using force or breaking into a space. More here.
Example of Theft
Imagine you're waiting at a bus stop, and you set your backpack on the ground next to you for a moment. Someone grabs it and runs off before you can react. This is theft — an intentional action where someone takes your property without your consent.
What Is Burglary?
Burglary involves unlawfully entering a structure, like a home, office, or vehicle, with the intent to commit a crime inside — usually theft. The key distinction here is breaking into a space, regardless of whether the crime was completed. More here.
Example of Burglary
Lisa's case is a textbook example of burglary. The person who entered her apartment didn't have permission to be there and intended to steal her belongings. Even if the thief hadn't stolen anything, breaking in with criminal intent still constitutes burglary.
What Is Robbery?
Robbery is a more confrontational crime. It involves taking property directly from a person using force, threats, or intimidation. More here.
Example of Robbery
You're walking home late at night, and someone approaches you demanding your wallet while brandishing a weapon. Feeling threatened, you hand over your wallet. This is robbery—taking property directly from you with the use of force or intimidation.
Key Differences Between Theft, Burglary, and Robbery
| Crime | Involves Force? | Occurs in a Structure? | Direct Interaction with Victim? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft | No | No | No |
| Burglary | No | Yes | No |
| Robbery | Yes | No | Yes |
In short, theft is about taking property, burglary involves unlawful entry, and robbery involves force or intimidation.
How many thefts, burglaries, and robberies are reported in Chicago each year?
The City of Chicago publishes annual crime statistics. For 2023, here are the numbers:
| Statistic | Theft | Burglary | Robbery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number in 2023 | 57,400 | 7,482 | 11,056 |
| % of 2023 Total | 22% | 2.8% | 4.2% |
Theft is the most commonly reported crime of all types of crime in Chicago (followed by Battery and Criminal Damage). You can learn more about overall crime in Chicago from our analysis.
Need to request your police report from the Chicago Police Department? We're here to help!
How do I Obtain a Police Report in Chicago for Theft, Burglary, or Robbery?
If you are a victim of theft, burglary, or robbery in Chicago, and you don't have an RD number for this incident, learn how to file a police report online.
If the police have already given you an RD number, you can obtain a copy of your police report in one of three ways.
1. Through ChicagoPoliceReport.com
For a fast and hassle-free experience, ChicagoPoliceReport.com simplifies the process. You can order your police report from your phone or laptop. Here's how it works:
- Visit ChicagoPoliceReport.com and fill out the required information.
- Submit your request.
- The team will process your order and forward it to the Chicago Police Department.
- CPD will mail your report directly to you.
No stamps, no envelopes, and no trips to the headquarters. This is an ideal option for those who value convenience and clarity.
2. Mailing Your Request
You can also request your police report by mailing the necessary forms and documentation to CPD.
However, this method can be time-consuming and error-prone:
- You'll need to write a formal letter, self-addressed stamped envelope, and ensure both envelopes have proper postage.
- Errors in paperwork or insufficient postage can delay your request.
While it may seem convenient, it requires attention to detail.
3. Visiting the Headquarters
For those who prefer an in-person approach, visit the Records Division at Central Police Headquarters:
Address:3510 S. Michigan Ave., 1st Floor, Room 1043
What to Expect:
- Limited hours of operation (check in advance).
- Paid parking with no free options.
- Time off work to visit.
- Waiting in multiple lines before receiving your report.
This option works best if you need your report immediately. However, the inconveniences of parking, scheduling, and navigating the process make it too much of a hassle for most people.
Conclusion
Whether it's theft, burglary, or robbery, understanding the distinctions between these crimes is essential for filing accurate police reports. Chicago offers multiple ways to obtain your report, but not all are equally convenient.