Which statement best defines burglary under Theft Act 1968, section 9(1)(a)?

• A. Entering any building or part of a building as a trespasser with the intention to steal or inflict grievous bodily harm therein, or to commit unlawful damage.
• B. Entering a building with permission and stealing property.
• C. Taking a conveyance without the owner's consent.
• D. Assaulting someone in a building.

Answer: (A)

Burglary under this provision tests two things: you must enter a building or part of one as a trespasser, and at the moment of entry you must intend to commit theft, or to inflict grievous bodily harm, or to do unlawful damage inside the building. The statement aligns with that exactly, because it describes entering as a trespasser with the specific intent to steal, harm someone, or damage the premises therein. If you have permission to enter, you aren’t a trespasser, so this rule doesn’t apply. Taking a vehicle without consent is simply theft of a conveyance, not burglary of a building. Assaulting someone in a building is a separate offence and doesn’t involve entering as a trespasser with those inside intents.