It's easy to confuse crime terminology when you're a law-abiding citizen. Take the following pop quiz to see how savvy you are about two common crimes:

• Define “burglary.”
• Define “robbery.”

Were you able to come up with the answers?

If not, you're in good company. Many people fail to differentiate between the terms, believing they are interchangeable. Here's the distinction:

• “Burglary” is a crime against property. If someone breaks into your home (sometimes called “breaking and entering,” or B&E) and steals your television, you're a victim of burglary.
• “Robbery” is a crime against a person. If someone mugs you and steals your wallet, you have been robbed.

One of the most frightening crimes of the last decade is a hybrid of burglary and robbery: the home-invasion robbery. One or more criminals follows you home, usually brandishing a weapon, and enters your garage as you're parking your car or accosts you at the front door as you place your key in the lock. These crimes are particularly terrifying—and dangerous—because the perpetrator almost always carries a knife or gun, and the potential for violence to escalate is high.

You can, however, minimize your risk of becoming a victim if you practice prevention. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your family:

• Robbers scan crowds for vulnerable victims—whether they aim to steal your purse or follow you home. Always be conscious of your surroundings. Stand up straight and walk with assurance so you send the nonverbal message: “I can defend myself.”
• If you're dining out, attending a party or enjoying a night out at a social function, never flash large amounts of cash when dealing with parking valets, waiters or other service personnel. This makes you the perfect “mark” for a studious robber intent on following you home and ambushing you.
• Never carry more credit cards than you need. Keep them locked in a drawer, and maintain a record of all account numbers. If you are attacked and your cards are stolen, you can then pull out your list of accounts and immediately notify the appropriate companies of your losses.
• Keep an eye on your rear-view mirror as you drive home. It's easy to be distracted by urban noise, reckless drivers, flashy billboards and infuriating talk-radio hosts. You should be aware enough to notice if someone is following you. If this proves to be the case, use your cell phone to notify the police or drive to the nearest police station.
• If your home is invaded, always remember that possessions can be replaced, but the lives of your loved ones are irreplaceable. Don't fight with robbers over a stereo or jewellery. Your goal is to get them out of your home as soon as possible, without any violence. But if violence escalates and robbers resort to physical or sexual assault, do whatever it takes to survive.