Property Crime: Definition, Types, Examples, Laws & Penalties

According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, law enforcement agencies in the United States reported 6,927,677 property crime offenses in 2019, including burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Although property crime rates have dropped nearly 50% since the 1990s, they remain among the most common crimes affecting individuals and businesses across the country.

What is Property Crime? Definition & Legal Meaning

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) defines property crime as:

“An unlawful act to obtain money, property, or some other benefit without force or threat of force against a victim.”

Simply put, property crimes involve taking or destroying someone else’s property, without physically harming the owner.

Key Characteristics of Property Crime:

1. Target is property, not people (unlike violent crimes).
2. No direct force or threat against the victim.
3. Crimes can involve theft, damage, or unlawful entry.

Property Crime vs. Violent Crime

• Property Crime Example: Breaking into a car and stealing a laptop.
• Violent Crime Example: Robbing someone at gunpoint.

Even though robbery involves property, it’s classified as violent crime since it uses force or intimidation.

Types of Property Crime

There are 6 major types of property crimes, each with unique definitions, laws, and penalties.

1. Burglary

Burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a structure with intent to commit a crime, usually theft.

• Example: Breaking into a house to steal jewelry.
• Not necessary to actually steal—intent is enough.

Law Reference: Under 18 U.S.C. § 2113, burglary of financial institutions carries up to 20 years imprisonment.

2. Theft & Larceny

Theft (or larceny) is the unlawful taking of property with intent to permanently deprive the owner.

• Example: Shoplifting clothing from a mall.
• Petty theft = property under $500 (varies by state).
• Grand theft = property worth more, felony offense.

Law Reference: Under 18 U.S.C. § 641, theft of U.S. government property can result in 10 years in prison.

3. Motor Vehicle Theft

This includes stealing cars, trucks, motorcycles, or RVs.

• Example: Hotwiring a car in a parking lot.
• Joyriding (temporary use without permission) is included.

FBI Data: In 2020, there were 810,400 motor vehicle thefts in the U.S., costing victims $7.4 billion.

4. Arson

Arson is the willful burning of property, such as buildings, vehicles, or land.

• Example: Setting fire to an abandoned warehouse.
• Can result in felony murder charges if people die.

Law Reference: Under 18 U.S.C. § 844(i), malicious arson of a building can bring up to 20 years imprisonment.

5. Vandalism (Criminal Mischief)

Vandalism is the intentional destruction or defacement of property.

• Example: Spray-painting graffiti on a school wall.
• Minor vandalism = misdemeanor, but large damages = felony.

In Los Angeles, over 30,000 vandalism cases were reported in 2021, costing businesses millions.

6. White-Collar Property Crimes

These involve fraud, embezzlement, and forgery—non-violent but financially harmful.

• Example: An employee stealing company funds.
• Can involve millions of dollars and federal prosecution.

Law Reference: Under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, wire fraud penalties can reach 20 years in prison.

Learn More: Raja Jackson Arrested on Felony Assault

Laws Governing Property Crime

Property crime laws are found at both state and federal levels.

• Federal Laws: Apply to crimes involving U.S. property, interstate theft, fraud, or arson.
• State Laws: Each state defines penalties based on property value and circumstances.

Example: California Penal Code

• Petty Theft (PC 484): Property under $950 → misdemeanor.
• Grand Theft (PC 487): Property over $950 → felony.
• Arson (PC 451): Felony, 2–9 years prison depending on damage.

Penalties for Property Crimes

The punishment depends on:

• Value of property stolen/damaged
• Repeat offender status
• Use of weapons or fire
• Location (home, school, business)

General Penalties:

• Misdemeanor Property Crimes:
  • Jail: up to 1 year
  • Fine: up to $1,000
  • Restitution to victim
• Felony Property Crimes:
  • Prison: 1–20 years (sometimes life in extreme arson cases)
  • Fines: $10,000+
  • Probation & restitution

Statistics & Trends

• Property crimes fell 51% between 1993–2020 (BJS data).
• Larceny-theft makes up 72% of all property crimes.
• Motor vehicle theft is on the rise due to car hacking and keyless entry thefts.

Final Takeaway

Property crime may not involve physical harm, but its financial and emotional impact is huge. From burglary and theft to arson and fraud, these offenses affect millions of Americans each year.

Understanding the laws, examples, and penalties not only helps you stay aware but can also guide you if you’re a student, business owner, or victim seeking justice.

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