General Types of Theft
Theft is a common law offense. But as punishments vary accordingly with the value of the good/s stolen, the location, and the manner of the theft, different kinds of theft were distinguished from one another.
Animal theft refers to the theft of domestic animals which were confined as private property. Mostly, the animals pertained to are sheep, cattle, horses, and fowl. Horse theft was considered to be the most serious of animal thefts.
Burglary involves breaking into a house to steal valuables. Also included in this category are breaking and stealing from building establishments, warehouses, and other buildings that are in use. Burglary occurs not only at night, but at any time of the day too.
This is a theft that involves a clerk, servant, or employee stealing goods that belong to the employer or the company. It is usually money or cash that is embezzled. Some cases of embezzlement are referred to as petty or grand larceny, depending on the amount of goods stolen.
Extortion and blackmail pertain to a case where money or benefits are obtained through the use of threats. This crime is particularly associated with embarrassing crimes such as adultery or sodomy.
If you are not specifically qualified to legally hunt game, then you are committing a crime, even if it’s hunting on your own land. This offense is rare in the US. It is mostly in England that hunting and game law offenses are common.
Pickpocketing is very common in many countries, including the US. Thieves can be quick and smooth enough to nip your wallet while you are walking in a crowded area.
This theft occurs specifically in a shop and the person who took the goods did not pay for them. This is also one of the most common thefts in many countries.
