What is the main distinction between burglary and theft?

The main distinction between burglary and theft lies primarily in the nature of the crime and the intent involved. Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, which can often be a theft but does not necessarily have to be. This is where the emphasis is placed on the act of entering a space without permission to commit an illegal act, typically in a residential or commercial setting.

The correct answer emphasizes that burglaries occur specifically without the consent of the owner and typically target buildings, such as homes, stores, or other structures, rather than simply any theft. In contrast, theft can occur in various forms without the need for unlawful entry, such as stealing someone's property directly from them or taking items from an open location. The other options mention violence or specific contexts that are not accurate representations of the core difference between the two crimes.