Which offense best fits forcibly entering a closed store to steal cash and firearms?

• A. Burglary Forced Entry
• B. MV Theft
• C. Robbery—Firearm (3a)
• D. Burglary—Forcible Entry (5a)

Answer: (D)

Forcible entry into a building to steal is burglary. Burglary requires unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony, and using force to gain entry fits the “forcible” or “forcible entry” element. In this scenario, the store is a closed building, the entry is accomplished by force, and the theft targets cash and firearms inside. That combination points to Burglary—Forcible Entry.

This isn’t Robbery, because Robbery centers on taking property directly from a person through force or fear, not breaking into a building to take items inside. MV Theft is out because it involves motor vehicles, not a store. The wording matters in the classification, and the precise label Burglary—Forcible Entry (5a) reflects both the act of breaking in and the structure involved.