Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) RADIO Practice Exam

Which crime involves illegally entering a building with the intent to commit a crime?

1. Theft

2. Burglary

3. Robbery

4. Breaking and Entering

The correct answer is: Burglary

Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a building or structure with the specific intent to commit a crime inside, such as theft, but can also involve other offenses. The key aspect of burglary is the intent at the time of entry; the perpetrator plans to carry out a crime within the premises. This is distinct from other crimes listed, where the focus may differ. For instance, theft specifically pertains to the taking of someone else's property, robbery involves taking property through force or intimidation, and breaking and entering generally refers to the act of illegally entering a space without a clear indication of the intent to commit a crime inside. Thus, burglary adequately encompasses the elements of illegal entry combined with the intent to commit a crime, solidifying it as the correct answer.