Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) Two Practice Exam

In the context of insurance, what distinguishes a safe burglary from regular theft?

1. The items stolen are more valuable

2. It involves a safe or vault breach

3. More than one person is typically involved

4. It requires police involvement at all times

The correct answer is: It involves a safe or vault breach

The key distinction that makes a burglary a "safe burglary" lies in the method and means by which the crime is conducted, specifically involving a breach of a safe or vault. Safe burglaries typically refer to situations where locks or security systems are bypassed or physically broken into to access enclosed valuables. This type of burglary is often characterized by the level of sophistication and planning that goes into breaching secure storage, as safes are designed to protect valuable items from theft. The other considerations—such as the value of the items stolen, the number of individuals involved, or the necessity for police involvement—do not fundamentally define what constitutes a safe burglary. The essence of the crime is tied to the act of breaking into a secure safe or vault, which is what differentiates it clearly from ordinary theft, where items may be taken without such barriers.