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- Victims and Witnesses of Crime and Violence
Ministry of Justice
Break and Enter
When a person goes into someone's home without permission and intends to commit a crime, or commits a crime, a residential 'break and enter' (B&E) has occurred. B&Es are usually committed for the purpose of stealing something of value. Breaking and entering is a serious crime, whatever the value of the property stolen or destroyed. The consequences of this crime are not only financial but also emotional.
Residential B&Es occur in all neighbourhoods and cross all age, gender, economic and cultural groups. Perpetrators of B&Es rarely know their victims or target their victims personally. While there is a wide range of reactions to residential break and enter, this crime often has emotional consequences for victims and their families. A profound sense of loss when items of sentimental value are taken or damaged and a loss of privacy, knowing that someone has gone through one's personal belongings.
Victims of break and enter may benefit from practical support as well as emotional support. Regaining a feeling of control over one's live is important to the healing process.
To speak to a Victim Service Worker call VictimLink BC 1 800 563-0808. VictimLink BC provides information and referral services to all victims of crime.
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