Property Crimes

Property crime involves the taking of property or money by illegal means, without the owner’s permission. This category can be broken down further into different types of property crime such as:

• Burglary
• Larceny
• Theft
• Shoplifting
• Motor vehicle theft
• Arson
• Vandalism

Depending on whether the property stolen was of lower or higher value, thefts are regarded by the state as ‘petty’ theft or ‘grand’ theft. Stolen property valued between $100-$300 is considered petty, whereas amounts higher than that come under the category of grand theft. Within grand theft, there is first, second, third degree and fourth degree grand theft, with first degree grand theft having the heaviest penalties. The values associated with these degrees differ from state to state. If someone has been accused of a property crime, the determining factor for charging the offender with a misdemeanor or felony is either based on the value of property stolen or the amount of property damage done. Penalties may include restitution, probation and prison time.