What is the definition of casing as a crime?

In criminal law enforcement and legal terminology, casing is defined as the clandestine act of secretly scouting, observing, monitoring, and gathering tactical intelligence on a target location—such as a retail store, bank, jewelry shop, or residential home—prior to planning and executing an unlawful act like a burglary or robbery. During this reconnaissance phase, the perpetrator carefully evaluates physical vulnerabilities, including security camera blind spots, alarm system sensors, lighting schedules, police patrol frequencies, and optimal entry and exit routes. While mere observation in public spaces is not always explicitly illegal on its own, casing is frequently categorized as a preparatory criminal offense or used as evidence of conspiracy, criminal intent, and attempted burglary when coupled with suspicious behavior and burglary tools.