Crime Types
Larceny-Theft
Definition: The unlawful taking of property from another person without the use of force, violence, or fraud — the most common crime in America.
In Detail
Larceny-theft is by far the most frequently reported crime in the United States, accounting for the majority of all property crimes and a large share of all crimes overall. The UCR program defines it as the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession of another person. It includes crimes such as shoplifting, pocket-picking, purse-snatching (without force), theft from motor vehicles, theft of bicycle parts, and theft from buildings. It does not include motor vehicle theft, embezzlement, fraud, forgery, or worthless checks. The national larceny-theft rate was approximately 1,402 per 100,000 in 2023. Because larceny is so common, it dominates the property crime rate and can mask trends in other categories. A city might see its burglary rate drop significantly while its larceny rate holds steady, resulting in only a modest decline in the overall property crime rate. The value of stolen property varies enormously, from minor shoplifting incidents to thefts of expensive electronics or jewelry. Many larceny incidents go unreported to police, particularly lower-value thefts, which means the actual incidence is likely higher than UCR data shows. This underreporting is an important consideration when comparing larceny rates across cities, as reporting culture can vary by jurisdiction.
Related Terms
Offenses involving the taking or destruction of property without force or threat of force, including burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft, regardless of whether force was used to gain entry.
The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, including automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.
The critical distinction between the total number of crimes (count) and the number of crimes per 100,000 residents (rate), which changes how safety is understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Larceny-Theft" mean in crime statistics?
The unlawful taking of property from another person without the use of force, violence, or fraud — the most common crime in America.
Why is larceny-theft important for understanding crime data?
Larceny-theft is by far the most frequently reported crime in the United States, accounting for the majority of all property crimes and a large share of all crimes overall. The UCR program defines it as the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession of another person. It includes crimes such as shoplifting, pocket-picking, purse-snatching (without force), theft from motor vehicles, theft of bicycle parts, and theft from buildings.