Property Crimes

Property crimes include many common crimes relating to theft or destruction of someone else's property. They can range from lower level offenses such as shoplifting or vandalism to high level felonies including armed robbery and arson. Some such crimes do not require the offender to make off with stolen goods or even to harm a victim - such as burglary, which only requires unlawful entry with the intent to commit a crime. Others require the actual taking of money or property. Some, such as robbery, require a victim present at the time of the crime. Most property crimes include a spectrum of degrees depending on factors including the amount stolen and use of force or arms in theft related cases, and actual or potential bodily injury in property destruction crimes such as arson. Below you'll find more information on specific property crimes.

Learn About Property Crimes

Theft
Many states gather a wide number of property crimes under the umbrella term of theft.
Larceny
Taking something of value without the consent of the owner and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the object(s) taken.
Burglary
The unlawful entry into any of a wide range of structures, most often a home, with the intent to steal or commit another crime.
Robbery
Theft of money or property through the use of force or fear against the victim, including armed or aggravated robbery.

Shoplifting
Theft or concealment of merchandise from a retail establishment without the intent to pay for it, sometimes called retail theft.
Arson
Intentionally burning almost any type of structure, building or forest land, with more severe degrees recognized if it causes bodily injury, or involves an inhabited building or intent to defraud insurers.
Vandalism
Destruction or defacement of someone else's property without the owner's permission, sometimes called criminal damage, malicious trespass or malicious mischief