break-ins
Forced illegal entries
Break-ins are instances of illegal entry into a building, typically for theft.
The term emphasizes forced or unauthorized access: The neighborhood has seen a spike in break-ins.
Break-ins can also refer to the initial period of using something new until it functions smoothly—breaking in new shoes or equipment—though this sense more often appears as the verb phrase break in.
One who breaks in
- intruderUnauthorized person present
- thiefOne who steals
- robberyTheft through intimidation
- heistOrganized large-scale theft
loot · stolen · safecracker · cat-burglar · prowler · ransack · valuables · fence
Metal prying lever
- lockpickLock-opening implement
- jimmySmall prying bar
- prybarLever for forcing things
- sledgehammerMassive long-handled mallet
smash-and-grab · shatter · ram-raid · window · skylight · basement · garage · drill
Unauthorized entry onto property
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- breachBreaking of agreement
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- violationBreaking of rules
encroachment · invasion · access · perimeter · restricted · illegal · criminal · felony
Systematic observation of subjects
- guard-dogTrained protective canine
- deadboltKey-operated door lock
- floodlightBroad outdoor illumination source
- cameraImage capturing device
deterrent · patrol · safe · locksmith · reinforce · vulnerable · target · prevention
burglar
One who breaks in
heist · loot · stolen · safecracker · cat-burglar · prowler · ransack · valuables · fence · getaway
crowbar
Metal prying lever
sledgehammer · smash-and-grab · shatter · ram-raid · window · skylight · basement · garage · drill · bypass
trespass
Unauthorized entry onto property
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- breachBreaking of agreement
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
violation · encroachment · invasion · access · perimeter · restricted · illegal · criminal · felony · prosecution
surveillance
Systematic observation of subjects
- guard-dogTrained protective canine
- deadboltKey-operated door lock
- floodlightBroad outdoor illumination source
camera · deterrent · patrol · safe · locksmith · reinforce · vulnerable · target · prevention · insurance
- plunderlooting, loot, booty, pillaging, spoils
- burglaryburglar, housebreaking, home invasion, intruder, forced entry
break-inslockouts
Employer bars workforce entry
security measures · fortifications · lockdowns · protections · safeguarding