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Petit larceny is a minor form of theft involving small monetary value items. It is still in use in some US jurisdictions, but has largely passed out of modern usage in other common law countries. Shoplifting, drive-away gas theft, and pickpocketing are common types of petty theft.
Originally a common law term, petit larceny, also called “petty” larceny, is the theft of items of small monetary value. The crime was a minor form of theft, involving the theft of more valuable goods. Since the value of the stolen item is what determines whether a theft is “petty” theft, the crime can involve a variety of items. However, there are some common types of petty theft.
In some common law countries, distinctions between types of theft have largely passed out of modern usage. Ireland and Wales have abolished theft as a class of offence, choosing to classify it as simple theft. However, the definition of petty theft as a petty crime involving an item of minimal value is still in use in some US jurisdictions. Depending on the state, the value of the item can range from a few dollars to two hundred US dollars (USD). Regardless of jurisdiction, the offense is still a crime.
Petty theft only pertains to the theft of personal property. Property must be able to be owned and taken away. Items associated with the crime tend to be small or easily hidden. Theft is a broader term than theft because it can involve things that cannot be possessed and taken away. It can include, for example, theft of identity, intellectual property or even land.
When someone takes possession of personal property below a certain value and takes it away with no intention of returning it, the elements of the offense are satisfied. The object can be almost anything, as long as it has at least one value. However, some types of petty theft are very common.
Shoplifting is probably one of the most common types of petty theft. These offenses can occur in any type of shop and involve goods such as clothing and jewelery or food. Virtually anything that someone can hide in their hand or on their person can be shoplifted. The problem is so widespread in many countries that stores use surveillance cameras and security personnel to minimize losses.
With fuel prices rising, drive-away gas theft is becoming a common problem, especially in countries like the US where drivers pump their own gas. Many gas stations require customers to pay in advance, and store employees turn on the gas pump from inside the store. Some petrol stations only do this at night when it is more difficult to identify a vehicle.
Perhaps the oldest type of petty theft and the hardest to prevent is that committed by “pickpockets”. These criminals operate most often in urban areas, but also wherever large crowds gather. Items taken are usually wallets, cash and credit cards. A variant of pickpocketing is the carrying of unattended items such as parcels, purses and briefcases.
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