Personal Item Thefts

Theft of another’s personal items is usually classified as common theft or petty theft, depending on the value of the property stolen. Another term for such a crime is larceny. Personal item theft typically involves the theft of small personal items, such as:

• Jewelry
• Wallets and purses
• Electronics
• Phones, computers, and tablets
• Clothing (especially hats and shoes)

In many cases, these items may be “snatched” when the person isn’t looking. Personal item theft is often distinguished from other types of theft, such as retail theft, as the item is usually not for sale by a retailer and may often have sentimental value for the owner. Personal item theft that is accomplished by force is called robbery and involves more serious penalties than non-violent theft.

What Are the Penalties for Personal Item Theft?

Penalties for personal item theft may depend on the value of the stolen property. Minor theft crimes usually result in misdemeanor charges, which are punishable under criminal laws by fines and possible jail sentences (usually less than one year).

However, for more serious theft charges, a felony larceny conviction may result. This is punishable by higher criminal fines and longer sentences. Felony charges usually result from thefts over a certain dollar amount (for instance, over $500).

Felonies often have the potential for the punishment of a year or more in prison or a fine of $1,000 or more. The actual penalties for a felony conviction may differ significantly depending on the state and the circumstances of the case. The following are some of the potential penalties for a felony conviction:

• Prison. A prison sentence for felony theft can last for several years, although the sentence length may differ significantly. First-time offenders convicted of the lowest severity level of felony theft may receive a prison sentence of several months to two or three years. Courts may also choose not to impose any jail time. Repeat offenders or those convicted of the most serious felony theft offenses may receive prison sentences between a few years to 20 years or more.
• Fines. Felony theft convictions may also bring with them the possibility of significant fines. A conviction may come with a fine as low as $1,000 or as high as $150,000 or more.
• Restitution. Apart from any fines, courts also typically require a convicted person to pay restitution. Restitution is money paid to compensate an owner of the property for their loss. Restitution must be paid in addition to any fines.
• Probation. Those convicted of felony theft may also be sentenced to probation on top of, or separately from, fines or jail time. When a court sentences someone to probation, they usually compel the person to comply with specific terms over a period of time. Probation typically lasts for 12 months or more.
  • Probation terms differ, but they normally include requirements like meeting regularly with a probation officer, maintaining employment, paying any required child support, and not associating with any known criminals. Probation terms also require no further laws be broken. If probation terms are violated, the court can lengthen a probation sentence or revoke it. If a judge revokes probation terms, the judge may enforce a jail sentence. Additional fines or penalties are also common.

What Are Some other Points to Consider Regarding Personal Item Thefts?

When dealing with personal item theft crimes, one thing to consider is that they are often linked to bigger schemes involving identity theft. For instance, a thief may steal a person’s wallet, purse, backpack, or cell phone. They may be doing this to take the item and gain access to account numbers, passwords, etc.

Therefore, if you’ve experienced a personal theft, you should always check your accounts and personal information to ensure your accounts haven’t been compromised.

What Are the Most Commonly Stolen Items?

Here is a list of the most commonly stolen personal items:

• Cash. Cash is untraceable, doesn’t need to be sold, and is easy to carry away.
• Prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are easy to sell and profitable, making them desirable.
• Jewelry. Jewelry is easy to carry away and fairly easy to sell to stores or pawn shops that buy gold, silver, and other stones.
• Electronics. Televisions, gaming consoles, and other electronics are commonly stolen items.
• Computers. Laptops and desktop computers are harder to steal but highly profitable.
• Cell phones. Make sure to password-protect your cell phone in the case of theft.
• Guns. Guns are an easy item to steal. They have a high resale value and are very profitable.
• Tools. Tools are valuable, easy to steal, and easy to resell.
• Household goods. Pans, kitchen items, and other appliances are also commonly stolen items.
• Decor. Thieves steal decorative items such as art, which can be very valuable.
• Handbags/clothing. Handbags and clothing are popularly stolen items because they can be resold or used by people who could not normally afford them.
• Alcohol/Drugs. Some thieves steal simply to enjoy themselves. More expensive liquor or wine may be resold.
• Personal papers. Thieves may attempt to steal personally-identifying information to be used later to steal your identity.
• Golfing equipment. High-quality golf clubs can be costly.
• Bicycles. Although bicycles are difficult to steal, a quality bicycle can resell quickly.

What Happens if I’m in Possession of Stolen Goods?

Possession of stolen goods is a crime, regardless of whether you’ve bought, been given, or acquired stolen goods.

In many states, if a person has accepted goods or property they knew were stolen, then the individual will be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. If a person did not know the goods were stolen, then the goods are typically returned to the owner, and the individual will not be prosecuted. However, there are often complications because proving or disproving an individual’s knowledge that the goods were stolen is difficult.

How Can I Prevent Property Crime and Loss?

The following pointers may prevent your valuables from getting lost or stolen:

• Keep records. Keep important numbers like serial numbers and vehicle identification numbers handy. By keeping these records, you make the search for stolen goods easier.
• Use digital trackers. Apps, tracking devices, or digital beacons can help you recover your valuables if they are lost or stolen.
• Use locks. Locks are not always foolproof, but they discourage theft, especially in public places.
• Hide your items. When possible, hide your valuables so other people can’t take them.
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home. If you have large amounts of cash, put it in the bank. Hiding cash under a mattress, in a freezer, or in a box is not a clever way to keep it from thieves.
• Keep necessary prescriptions with you. Leftover or expired prescriptions should be disposed of.
• Get a safe deposit box at your bank. Safe deposit boxes at banks are fairly inexpensive and can be used to sash expensive jewelry or other valuables. Do not stash your jewelry in the back of drawers or dressers.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Personal Item Theft Laws?

Theft crimes can sometimes lead to serious legal penalties. You may wish to hire a criminal defense lawyer if you are involved in a criminal trial for personal item theft violations. Your lawyer can guide you through the process and can represent you during court meetings. Also, your attorney can advise you of how the theft laws in your area may affect you, as they’re different in each state.