Burglary is different from any other kind of theft crime because it involves someone attempting to hide their activity from the intended victim. A burglar will often try to break into a home or business when the owner or operator is not present in order to avoid conflict or potential violence. Some even have special tools to help them open locks or overcome electronic security systems.
However, you do not have to force your way into a business to face allegations of burglary in Texas. Instead, you merely need to be present in a business without permission while intending to steal something.
Some burglars hide in businesses to have access after employees leave
Believe it or not, some people will sneak into a back room, hole up behind a merchandising display or hide out in a bathroom at a store and then wait for hours until the business closes and employees leave for the night.
They can then proceed to walk freely around in the space and potentially steal thousands of dollars worth of merchandise or even take money if the story doesn’t secure its cash reserves and registers after business hours.
Hiding in a business or otherwise accessing it when you do not have permission to do so and then taking property from said business absolutely constitutes burglary and could easily lead to criminal charges, especially if there are security cameras. Anyone accused of burglary or similar theft offenses needs to carefully explore their options to defend against those charges or risk serious criminal consequences.