lopás

Lopás is the Hungarian term for theft, referring to the act of taking movable property belonging to another person without permission with the intent to deprive the owner of it permanently. It is a criminal offense in Hungary and is addressed by the country’s penal law. The essential elements typically include the unlawful taking of movable property, ownership by another person, the absence of consent, and the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. The offense is distinguished from related crimes such as rablás (robbery) and csalás (fraud), and from burglary, which involves unlawful entry.

Etymology and usage: Lopás derives from the Hungarian verb lop, meaning to steal. The noun form has long been used in both legal contexts and everyday language to describe various forms of property taking without permission.

Common forms: Bolti lopás, or shoplifting, is a frequent form of lopás encountered in retail settings. Zsebtolvajlás, or pickpocketing, is another common manifestation, particularly in crowded public spaces.

Penalties: Penalties for lopás depend on factors such as the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the offense. Sanctions can range from fines or probation to imprisonment, with more severe penalties possible for aggravating factors or repeat offenses.

See also: Theft, petty theft, property crime, rablás, csalás.