What are the elements of theft?

• A. Taking property of another without permission with intent to permanently deprive the owner.
• B. Robbing someone with force.
• C. Entering property with intent to commit a crime.
• D. Receiving stolen property knowingly.

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is what elements create a crime of theft: someone takes property that belongs to another, without the owner’s permission, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Each piece matters. Taking is more than just handling or using someone else’s stuff; it requires physical control or movement of the property. It must belong to someone else, not you. Taking without permission shows there’s no lawful authorization. Finally, the intent to permanently deprive means the person intends to keep the property or dispose of it in a way that permanently deprives the owner of its use or ownership. If any of these elements isn’t present—imagine borrowing with the owner’s consent, or taking with only a temporary use in mind—the offense wouldn’t be theft.

Robbery would involve force or intimidation to obtain property. Burglary involves entering a building with intent to commit a crime inside. Receiving stolen property is a separate crime that requires knowing the goods are stolen when you receive them.