Sexual burglaries and sexual homicide: clinical, forensic, and investigative considerations.

Burglary, the third most common crime after larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft, is rarely the focus of forensic psychiatric study. While most burglaries are motivated simply by material gain, there is a subgroup of burglaries fueled by sexual dynamics. The authors differentiate two types of sexual burglaries: 1) fetish burglaries with overt sexual dynamics; and 2) voyeuristic burglaries, in which the sexual element is often covert and far more subtle.

Sexaully motivated burglaries.

Overt or covert sexual motivation was found in several repetitive, compulsive burglars. Voyeuristic impulses, transvetism, confused sexual identity, and hatred of mother transferred to women in general are common findings. The possibility of eventual serious attacks on women should be considered in those who in addition to burglaries, particularly committed in bizarre circumstances and alone, have a history of minor attacks on women and mistreatment of animals.