Theft is a general term used to describe a variety of crimes such as larceny and robbery. In law, it is typically understood to be an offence committed when a person dishonestly takes or conceals property belonging to another with intent to permanently deprive them of that property. The offence of theft has 5 elements which must be proven at trial: dishonesty, appropriation, property, belonging to another, and intent to permanently deprive.
Legal systems based on common law traditionally distinguished between theft and fraud, although this distinction has been gradually eroded in most jurisdictions. In addition, many modern laws have created new categories of theft to deal with forms of property that are not physical or tangible. These include cyber theft and intellectual-property theft (see below).
In the United States, most states define larceny as the unlawful taking of someone else’s personal or real property with the intention to steal it. The property involved in a larceny case can be either movable or immovable property, such as an automobile, clothing, jewelry, or furniture. It can also be services, such as a car wash or meal at a restaurant. Failure to pay for a service is a form of larceny.
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of being a victim of theft. Always lock your doors and windows, even if you are just going into the house for a few minutes. Be careful when leaving valuables in your car, and never leave them unattended (e.g., in the trunk). If you have a bicycle, always use a lock designed to prevent theft and store it out of sight. When walking alone at night, make sure you are on well-lit roads and avoid routes that go through alleyways or parks or over fields. Ask trusted neighbours or family to check in on your home if you are away for long periods.
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