Robbery and burglary are two of the most serious property offences in the Theft Act 1968 and core content for Paper 2 of the 2026–2028 Cambridge A Level Law 9084 syllabus. Both rely on theft, so make sure you are confident with the elements of theft in sections 1–7 first.
Robbery (s8 Theft Act 1968)
“A person is guilty of robbery if he steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, he uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.”
Actus reus
- A completed theft – if any element of theft is missing, there is no robbery (R v Robinson (1977)).
- Force, or putting/seeking to put someone in fear of force – even minimal force is enough (R v Dawson and James (1976), a nudge causing loss of balance; R v Clouden (1987), wrenching a bag from the victim’s hand).
- Timing – the force must be immediately before or at the time of stealing. Appropriation can be a continuing act (R v Hale (1978); R v Lockley (1995)).
Mens rea
The mens rea of theft, plus an intention to use force in order to steal. Force used for another reason (e.g. out of anger, then deciding to steal afterwards) does not make it robbery.
Sentencing
Robbery is indictable only, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
Burglary (s9 Theft Act 1968)
s9(1)(a)
Entering a building or part of a building as a trespasser with intent to steal, inflict grievous bodily harm, or do unlawful damage. The offence is complete at the moment of entry – nothing needs to be taken.
s9(1)(b)
Having entered as a trespasser, then stealing or attempting to steal, or inflicting or attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.
Key elements
- Entry – must be “effective” (R v Collins (1973); R v Brown (1985), leaning through a shop window), and does not require the whole body to be inside (R v Ryan (1996)).
- Trespasser – entering without permission, or going beyond the permission given (R v Smith and Jones (1976), son stealing from father’s house). The defendant must know, or be reckless as to, being a trespasser.
- Building or part of a building – s9(4) includes inhabited vehicles and vessels. “Part of a building” covers areas the defendant was not allowed into (R v Walkington (1979), the area behind a shop counter).
Sentencing (s9(3))
Maximum of 14 years for a dwelling and 10 years for other buildings.
Aggravated Burglary (s10)
Committing burglary while having with you any firearm, imitation firearm, weapon of offence or explosive. For s9(1)(a) the weapon must be held at the time of entry; for s9(1)(b) at the time of the theft or GBH (R v O’Leary (1986)). The maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
Robbery vs Burglary: A Quick Comparison
- Robbery requires a completed theft plus force; burglary does not need force at all.
- Burglary under s9(1)(a) can be complete without anything being taken.
- Robbery can happen anywhere; burglary requires a building or part of a building.
In scenario questions, the same facts often raise both offences – for example, a defendant who breaks into a house and then pushes the owner to escape with a laptop. Apply each offence separately and link your analysis to the source material. See our guide on structuring AO1, AO2 and AO3 answers.
Free Paper 2 Past Papers – Download Now
The fastest way to lock in this topic is to practise on real Cambridge questions. Our resource hub has AS and A2 Level Law 9084 past papers for Papers 1–4, with mark schemes, free to download:
→ Download Free A Level Law Past Papers & Mark Schemes
About Sir Owais Mirchawala’s A Level Law Classes
Sir Owais Mirchawala teaches Cambridge International AS & A Level Law (9084) to students across Pakistan and the Gulf. His AS Level Law course covers Paper 2 topic by topic through recorded lectures you can study at your own pace, with topical past paper practice, class notes, WhatsApp query support, and homework and mock exam marking. Learn more about Sir Owais Mirchawala, explore the AS Level Law course, read the A Level Law course FAQs, or get in touch to enrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is burglary possible without stealing anything?
Yes. Under s9(1)(a), entering as a trespasser with the relevant intent is enough – the offence is complete on entry.
How much force is needed for robbery?
Very little. Cases such as Dawson and James and Clouden show that a push or a wrench on a bag can be enough.
What is the maximum sentence for aggravated burglary?
Life imprisonment.
Final Thought
Robbery and burglary questions are won by working methodically: theft first, then the extra elements of each offence. Practise on past paper scenarios until the order becomes automatic.