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- Understanding crime types
- Burglary and home invasion
Overview
Having your home or property burgled can feel unsettling and stressful. If you have discovered a burglary or theft, this page explains what to do, the support available to you, and what happens next.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Police on 111
If you need the Police but can’t speak for fear of harm, you will be asked to press keys for emergency assistance. If hearing or speaking is difficult, you can sign up to 111 TXT
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If you need urgent support services, you can get help now
Reporting to police
If you report a burglary, police will:
- record details of what happened
- give you a case number
- decide what response is needed.
After your report, police may:
- attend the scene and check for signs of entry
- carry out a scene examination (for example, fingerprints or DNA)
- look for evidence such as CCTV or witnesses
- check whether your case may be linked to other burglaries.
In more serious cases, police may assign an officer to keep you updated.
What happens next
If police identify a suspect, they may charge them. The case may then go to court for a judge to decide the outcome.
Cases are given higher priority when:
- the burglary happened in a home
- someone was inside at the time
- there is a risk of repeat offending.
How long this takes can vary. It depends on:
- whether there is good evidence (for example CCTV, fingerprints, or witnesses)
- whether a suspect can be identified
- how complex the case is.
Some cases may be resolved in days or weeks. Others can take months or may not be solved if there’s not enough evidence.
Where to get support
Victim Support – Manaaki Tāngata can help you:
- report the incident
- give a statement to police
- deal with practical steps like insurance.
Read more about home burglary support on the Victim Support website:
You can also find information and support, including tikanga Māori-based approaches: Finding support and resources.
What you can do next
- make a list of stolen or damaged items
- take photos of any damage
- contact your insurance company
- stay in touch with the officer in charge of your case
- let police know if you find new information.
Understanding the terms
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Burglary
Burglary is when someone enters a building without permission intending to commit an offence, such as theft.
It is still burglary even if nothing is taken.Examples:
- Breaking into a house to steal property.
- Entering a closed shop after hours to take items.
- Going into a garage or shed to steal tools/items
Buildings can include homes, flats, garages, sheds, and other enclosed structures.
Entering a yard without permission is not usually burglary on its own, although it may be trespassing.
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Aggravated burglary
Aggravated burglary is a burglary where the offender has a weapon, or uses something as a weapon while committing the offence.
It is still aggravated burglary even if nothing is stolen.Examples:
- Breaking into a house while carrying a weapon.
- Entering a shop while carrying a weapon.
- Picking up an object inside a building and using it as a weapon.
Because there is a greater risk of harm, aggravated burglary is treated more seriously by the courts.
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Home invasion
People often use the term home invasion to describe a burglary that happens in someone's home, especially when people are there at the time.
Home invasion is not a separate offence. Instead, it is a legal term used when offending involves entering an occupied home.
Offences committed in someone's home can have a significant impact on victims and their sense of safety. Because of this, courts may impose more serious penalties.