A person burglarizes a university cafeteria building by entering with the intent to steal. What offense best fits?

• A. Larceny
• B. Robbery
• C. Burglar 3rd
• D. Burglary 1st

Answer: (C)

Unlawful entry with the intent to commit a crime inside is burglary. In this scenario, the person enters a university cafeteria building with the purpose of stealing. The crime is complete because the entry with intent to steal happened, even if the actual theft hasn’t occurred yet. Larceny would require taking property from someone, which hasn’t happened here. Robbery involves force or intimidation against a person, which isn’t involved. Degrees of burglary depend on factors like the type of structure and the presence of aggravating circumstances; a non-dwelling building entered with intent to commit theft fits the basic burglary concept, typically categorized at a lower degree.