thief

A thief is a person who commits theft, the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The term is commonly used to describe acts where property is taken without permission, as distinct from related offenses such as robbery, which involves force or intimidation, and burglary, which entails unlawful entry with intent to commit theft.

In legal terms, theft typically requires several elements, which can vary by jurisdiction: the taking or carrying away of property, property of another, intent to permanently deprive the owner, and lack of consent. Some systems distinguish theft from embezzlement or larceny, and may categorize offenses based on the value of the property or the means used. Commonly observed forms include petty theft, grand theft, shoplifting, pickpocketing, burglary, and embezzlement.

Thieves employ a variety of methods, including stealth, concealment, distraction, misdirection, or deceit. Common targets include retail goods, wallets and purses, bicycles, and locked containers. Some thefts involve individuals acting alone, while others are part of organized crime or involve insider access, such as employee theft.

Motives and risk factors vary, ranging from economic need or opportunity to kleptomania, a psychiatric condition characterized by an impulse to steal. Penalties and consequences depend on jurisdiction and the value of the stolen property, and can include fines, imprisonment, probation, restitution, and loss of civil rights. Preventive measures include physical security, surveillance, alarms, and routine auditing, as well as social and economic programs aimed at reducing opportunities for theft.

Etymology traces the word thief to Germanic roots, with cognates such as Dutch dief and German Dieb, reflecting a long-standing presence in many cultures.