theft

Theft is the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. In many legal systems, theft requires that the property belong to another person, that it is taken without the owner's consent, and that the taker intends to deprive the owner of the property permanently. Some jurisdictions distinguish theft from robbery, which involves force or intimidation, and from burglary, which involves unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime. The exact definitions and thresholds, such as whether taking property of low value constitutes petty theft, vary by jurisdiction and statute.

Common forms of theft include shoplifting, embezzlement (breach of entrusted property), fraud (deception to obtain property), and larceny in certain legal traditions. Theft may be categorized by value, yielding petty theft or grand theft, with penalties tied to the amount involved. Other related offenses include receiving stolen goods or causing or facilitating theft. Kleptomania, a psychological impulse control disorder, can drive some theft without traditional financial motives.

Penalties for theft vary widely and can include fines, probation, community service, and imprisonment, depending on severity, value of property, and local law. Civil liability may require restitution to victims. In some areas, assets obtained through theft may be forfeited, and criminal records can affect employment and travel. Digital theft, such as online fraud or data theft, is treated under separate statutes.

Prevention focuses on reducing opportunity through security measures, inventory controls, audits, surveillance, and robust internal procedures. The concept of theft has historical roots in ancient legal codes and remains a core offense in modern criminal law.