According to the FBI, property crime refers to burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson, where property is stolen or attempted to be stolen from the victim, but where force or threat of force is not a factor.

Burglary

Property crimes are reported, analyzed and categorized by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program.  Burglary is defined as the “unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft.”  Force does not have to be used to gain access or entry into a “structure” in order for the crime of burglary to occur.

There are three subcategories of burglary:

• Forcible entry
• Unlawful entry without force
• Attempted forcible entry

“Structure” includes:

• Apartment
• Barn
• House trailer or houseboat – when used as a permanent dwelling
• Office
• Railroad Car
• Stable
• Vessel

Larceny-Theft

The specific definition of larceny-theft, as reported by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR):
When property is unlawfully taken, carried, lead or ridden away from the constructive or actual possession of the owner without force or violence.

Examples of larceny thefts:

• Shoplifted items
• Bicycles
• Auto parts
• Items that are stolen by pick-pocketing
• The larceny may be an attempted larceny

Motor Vehicle Theft

Motor vehicle theft includes the actual or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, according to the UCR.  Numerous vehicles fall within this category, including:
Vehicles that travel on land (rail vehicles are excluded)

• Automobiles
• Trucks
• Motorcycles and motor scooters
• All terrain vehicles
• Buses
• Snowmobiles

Arson

Arson is the willing or malicious burning or attempted burning of:

• A dwelling
• Public building
• Motor vehicle
• Aircraft
• Personal property

There does not need to be the intent to defraud to be considerd arson.