Researchers in the field of residential burglary have adopted a grounded approach to their research, which involves viewing the agent (the offender) as expert, thus allowing his/her perspective on the problem to lead the investigation. This research strategy has increased knowledge about the burglar's reasons for committing burglaries, the stages of his/her decisionmaking and target selection, behavior within the targeted property, disposal of goods stolen, and lifestyle. The burglar has generally been found to respond dynamically to the circumstances of the environment with greater expertise than the potential household victim. The typical burglar has been found to be far less opportunistic than had previously been assumed. The majority of burglars studied used rational discrimination and expertise in the selection of the burglary target and behavior at the scene. This article reviews the methodology and findings of specific burglary studies conducted in Great Britain, Ireland, and the United States. Implications are drawn for crime prevention measures that will discourage and obstruct the typical burglar both outside and inside the house. 2 figures and 32 notes