housebreaker

Etymology

From house + breaker.

noun

1. A criminal who breaks into and enters another's house or premises with the intent of committing a crime.
   Alternative forms: house breaker, house-breaker
   The vicar seized a sword and routed the housebreaker, but it was the vicar's wife in a nightgown and coat who caught up with the fleeing intruder, slapped his face and held him by the neck. November 19 1968, “‘Infuriated’ vicar's wife routs interloper”, in Montreal Gazette, Canada, retrieved 2010-09-21, page 9
   A serial housebreaker who is believed to have stolen from several homes in Ang Mo Kio last month was nabbed on Tuesday. May 20 2009, “Serial housebreaker nabbed”, in AsiaOne, Singapore, retrieved 2010-09-21