Unit 19 Crimes Against Property

The category of crimes against property includes crimes in which property is destroyed (such as arson and vandalism) and crimes in which property is stolen or otherwise taken against the will of the owner (such as robbery and embezzlement).

Arson

Arson is the willful and malicious burning of another person’s property. In most states, it is a crime to burn any building or structure, whether owned by the accused or not. Moreover, any property that is burned with the intent to defraud an insurance company is usually a separate crime, regardless of the type of property burned or who owned the property.

Vandalism

Vandalism, also known as malicious mischief, is willful destruction of, or damage to the property of another. Vandalism causes millions of dollars in damage each year. It includes such things as breaking windows, ripping down fences, flooding basements, and breaking off car aerials. Depending on the extent of the damage, vandalism can be either a felony or a misdemeanor.

Larceny

Larceny is the unlawful taking and carrying away of the property of another with intent to steal it. In most states, larceny is divided into two classes: grand and petty, depending on the value of the stolen item. Grand larceny involves the theft of anything above a certain value (often $ 100 or more) and is a felony. Petty larceny is the theft of anything of small value (usually less than $ 100) and is a misdemeanor.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the unlawful taking of property by someone to whom it was entrusted. For example, the bank teller who takes money from the cash drawer or the stockbroker who takes money that should have been invested are both guilty of embezzlement. In recent years, a number of states have merged the crimes of larceny, false pretenses, and embezzlement into the statutory crime of theft.

Robbery

Robbery is the unlawful taking of property from a person’s immediate possessions by force or intimidation. Though included here as a crime against property, robbery, unlike other theft offenses, involves two harms: theft of property and actual or potential physical harm to the victim.

Extortion

Extortion, popularly called blackmail, is the use of threats to obtain the property of another. Extortion statutes generally cover threats to do future physical harm, destroy property (e.g., «I’ll burn down your barn unless you pay me $ 500»), or injure someone’s character or reputation.

Burglary

Burglary was originally defined as breaking and entering the dwelling of another during the night with intent to commit a felony. Modern laws have broadened the definition to include the unauthorized entry into any structure with the intent to commit a crime, regardless of the time of day. Many states have stiffer penalties for burglaries committed at night, burglaries of inhabited dwellings, or burglaries committed with weapons.

Forgery

Forgery is a crime in which a person falsely makes or alters a writing or document with intent to defraud. This usually means signing, without permission, the name of another person to a check or some other document.