n. the generic term for all crimes in which
a person intentionally and fraudulently takes personal property of
another without permission or consent and with the intent to convert it
to the taker's use (including potential sale). In many states, if the
value of the property taken is low (for example, less than $500) the
crime is "petty theft," but it is "grand theft" for larger amounts,
designated misdemeanor or felony, respectively. Theft is synonymous with
"larceny." Although robbery (taking by force), burglary (taken by
entering unlawfully) and embezzlement (stealing from an employer) are
all commonly thought of as theft, they are distinguished by the means
and methods used and are separately designated as those types of crimes
in criminal charges and statutory punishments.
