They also prefer to do so in countries other then the US, because they are there to burgle, not to get into a potentially dangerous altercation with the resident.

Nothing good will come out of burgling an occupied house.

1. You may be identified - this will quickly shut down your criminal career.

2. You may be physically harmed.

3. You may physically harm the resident, which will turn your crime from a police-don't-really-care burglary into a violent robbery.